CMAT's Nerve-Wracking Countdown to Glastonbury 2025 Pyramid Stage Debut

Irish singer CMAT opened up about the sleepless nights and overwhelming fear she faced before her landmark Glastonbury 2025 performance.

When you think of Glastonbury, visions of legendary sets, roaring crowds, and unforgettable moments come to mind. But behind every iconic performance lies a human story — nerves, excitement, and sometimes sheer terror. CMAT, the Irish singer-songwriter who took the Pyramid Stage by storm this summer, shared her candid experience of not sleeping and feeling “so, so scared” before stepping into the spotlight at Glastonbury 2025.

The Build-Up: Sleepless Nights and Pre-Show Jitters

CMAT’s Glastonbury moment was not just another gig — it was a career milestone. Playing on the Pyramid Stage is a dream for many artists, but for CMAT, the anticipation was almost paralyzing.

“I was acting like someone who was about to go into war,” CMAT recalled on BBC Radio 6 Music. “I was shaking with the fear. I couldn’t talk to anyone, I didn’t sleep, like I was ill. I was so, so scared. I was so scared for the Pyramid Stage.”

Her nerves were so intense that she found herself questioning how she got the opportunity in the first place:

“I kind of just kept throwing my head in my hands, and like screaming and being like, ‘Why did they let me do this?’”

CMAT delivering a powerful set on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury 2025. Photo credit: Andy Ford.

On Stage: Relief and the Joy of Performing

The pressure was immense, but once CMAT walked onto the stage, a wave of relief washed over her.

“The first thought that occurred to me was, ‘Oh my God, I’m so relieved that this is about to be over, because I don’t have to be scared of it anymore’.”

This unexpected shift allowed her to finally enjoy the experience.

“Because of that, I actually did enjoy myself, and we were really well rehearsed. And it just felt amazing. It was amazing.”

Facing the Sea of People: A Surreal Moment

One of the most mind-blowing parts of her set was seeing the massive crowd in front of her. Around 20,000 people gathered at 1:40 PM on a Friday, a staggering number for any artist, let alone for a pivotal moment in a rising star’s career.

“I’ve seen 20,000 people before, and I was like, ‘I don’t know what this is. I’ve never seen this wall [of people]’. They just kept going.”

The weight of the moment hit hard once she left the stage.

“I was a bit shocked, and I was a bit winded, because the weight of everything came down on me as I was stepping down, and I literally curled up in a ball behind the sofa in my dressing room and made my sister close the door and was like, ‘No one can look at me for five to 10 minutes’.”

Watch CMAT’s Glastonbury 2025 Performance: "Take A Sexy Picture Of Me"

If you missed the live moment or want to relive it, here’s CMAT’s electrifying performance at the festival:

Critical Acclaim and Festival Highlights

The response to CMAT’s Glastonbury set was overwhelmingly positive. One glowing five-star review praised her for capturing “the spirit of Glasto” and setting a high bar for the weekend — and for her career.

Her slot was also recognized as one of the most unforgettable moments from Worthy Farm this year, a testament to how special her performance truly was.

Looking Ahead: Festivals, Tours, and New Music

Despite the nerves and pressure of Glastonbury, CMAT is not slowing down. She has a jam-packed summer lined up, including appearances at major UK and European festivals like Green Man and All Points East.

She’s also set to support Sam Fender in Belfast later this month before embarking on a headline tour across the UK and Ireland to promote her upcoming album Euro-Country. Fans in London and Dublin, among other cities, can catch her live on this much-anticipated trek.

Tickets are still available for some dates, so don't miss out on the chance to see CMAT’s magnetic live show in person.

New Album and Singles: The Sound of Euro-Country

CMAT recently dropped the title track from her new album Euro-Country, following singles like “Running/Planning,” “Take A Sexy Picture Of Me,” and “The Jamie Oliver Petrol Station.” These tracks showcase her unique blend of witty lyrics, catchy melodies, and that unmistakable charm that has won her fans worldwide.

She told a recent interview:

“I spent all of September to December working on it in a hole in New York City. It’s done now. I lost my mind there for a bit, but it sounds great.”

The album Euro-Country is crafted with live performances in mind, respecting the importance of her band and the energy they bring to the stage.

Exclusive Interview: CMAT on Her New Music and Tour Plans

For those hungry for more insight, CMAT shared her thoughts on the upcoming album Euro-Country and tour in a recent video interview:

Her focus remains on creating songs that translate powerfully in a live setting — a nod to how much she values her band and the live connection with audiences.

A Note on Language and Media

Recently, there was some controversy around the editing of the Irish-language section in one of CMAT’s latest singles by a major radio station. The broadcaster responded by denying claims of editing, sparking conversations about representation and respect for artists’ cultural expressions.

The Human Side of Stardom

CMAT’s story reminds us that even when artists shine on the biggest stages, they are human beings feeling the weight of expectations, fear, and excitement just like the rest of us. Her sheer honesty about her vulnerability and her triumph in overcoming those fears adds a new layer of admiration to her performance.

“I was shaking with the fear. I couldn’t talk to anyone, I didn’t sleep, like I was ill. I was so, so scared.” — CMAT

FAQs About CMAT and Glastonbury 2025

• How did CMAT feel before her Glastonbury Pyramid Stage performance?
  She was extremely nervous, didn’t sleep, and felt very scared leading up to the show.
• What was the crowd size during CMAT’s Pyramid Stage set?
  Around 20,000 people were in attendance during her 1:40 PM Friday slot.
• Will CMAT be touring soon?
  Yes, she has a UK and Ireland headline tour planned to support her new album Euro-Country.
• What singles has CMAT released from her new album?
  Singles include “Euro-Country,” “Running/Planning,” “Take A Sexy Picture Of Me,” and “The Jamie Oliver Petrol Station.”
• Did CMAT discuss any challenges related to her music’s language representation?
  Yes, there was a controversy involving the editing of the Irish-language section of her latest single by a radio station, which was officially denied by the broadcaster.

If CMAT’s journey to Glastonbury moved you, celebrate her iconic moment by shopping your favorite album cover poster at our store. It’s a perfect keepsake for any fan wanting to relive the magic of this unforgettable performance. Shop now at Architeg Prints.