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Amy Winehouse 'lashes out' at fan Amy Winehouse 'lashes out' at fan
(29 minutes later)
Singer Amy Winehouse has taken to the stage at the Glastonbury Festival and appeared to throw a punch at a fan. Amy Winehouse has returned to the stage at the Glastonbury Festival and appeared to throw a punch at a fan.
At the end of an unpredictable hour-long set she left the stage and in the pit beyond the front of the crowd, she seemed to lunge into the audience. She lashed out at someone who tried to grab her hair as she finished her set alongside fans in front of the stage, her spokesman said.
Winehouse is due to return to hospital for treatment for a lung problem. She was followed by USrapper Jay-Z, who gave a triumphant performance to win over critics who claimed a hip-hop act should not headline the festival.
US rapper Jay-Z followed her on stage, proving a resounding hit with fans after poking fun at detractors Oasis by singing their track Wonderwall. Other stars on a mostly sunny Saturday included Duffy and Massive Attack.
Winehouse appeared to lunge into the crowd near the end of her setOasis star Noel Gallagher recently said hip-hop at Glastonbury was "wrong". Winehouse appeared to lunge into the crowd near the end of her set
Jay-Z's booking as headliner has caused consternation for some, but Winehouse said he had "got front to come here... with tunes you don't even remember". Winehouse's one-hour performance was her first full UK show for seven months.
She was disparaging about rapper Kanye West, repeatedly using four-letter words while talking about him during her set. It drew a huge crowd to the Pyramid Stage but split opinion among fans.  Her spokesman said at least 75,000 people watched and that organisers had never seen the field so full.
But she spoke fondly of her husband, Blake Fielder-Civil, referring to him between songs and including his name in some of her lyrics. "The 'lashing out' was when someone tried to grab her hair and she reacted," the spokesman said.
He is currently in jail, awaiting sentencing after admitting grievous bodily harm and perverting the course of justice over an attack in 2006. But footage of the incident did not clearly show what provoked her lunge.
Jay-Z performs Oasis' WonderwallJay-Z performs Oasis' Wonderwall
"Thanks for your support," troubled Winehouse had told fans earlier, as she performed tracks such as Cupid, Rehab and Tears Dry on Their Own. The Grammy-winning singer was on fine form and in good voice for most of the set, going some way to dispelling fears about her health.
But reaction to her set was mixed. She jumped down into the security pit for the last two songs, separated from the fans by a crush barrier.
"I thought her singing voice was excellent as always but between songs, the way she led into them seemed a bit confused," said 26-year-old Greg Milsted. "Thanks for your support," she told them earlier, as she performed tracks such as Cupid, Rehab and Tears Dry on Their Own.
Laura Bradley, 24, added: "It's a shame the crowd didn't appreciate her. They were slagging her off." "I really enjoyed it - I've never seen her live before and I thought it was really good," said one fan, 18-year-old Lucinda Whitehead.
'Not world-class'
Earlier, referring to the controversy surrounding Jay-Z, singer Lily Allen said he was among "the most amazing performers" around, adding she did not understand the fuss.
"I saw him at the [Royal] Albert Hall last year and it was amazing," she told BBC News.
"It's like somebody's throwing a party in the middle of the countryside. If you want to go, go. If you don't, don't."
Among the fans disagreeing with her was Hugh Edwards, 33, from Burnley.
Duffy was among acts on the Other StageDuffy was among acts on the Other Stage
"Most people who go to festivals aren't here to see a rapper," he said. "The trouble with Jay-Z is it's not like he's a world-class act in Britain." But Laura Bradley, 24, said: "It's a shame the crowd didn't appreciate her. They were slagging her off."
"He might be in the rest of the world, but not here. I think that's why ticket sales have been slow." There appeared to be a smaller crowd for Jay-Z, but he was greeted by chants and cheers.
Jay-Z's wife Beyonce, Coldplay singer Chris Martin and rock collaborators Linkin Park have all been rumoured as possible guests. The New York hip-hop star fired up the crowd with an introduction that included a BBC interview in which Oasis star Noel Gallagher said hip-hop was "wrong" for Glastonbury.
Other fans were planning to watch something else, while true Jay-Z fans appeared to be in the minority. Jay-Z then took the stage to the strains of the Oasis hit Wonderwall.
But Martin Barry, 32, from London, said: "I've got a fair few Jay-Z CDs and I probably would have gone to see him in concert if he wasn't here. "So they say you guys didn't want me here to be here tonight," he said.
"There's absolutely nothing wrong with the line-up. And Glastonbury's not just about the line-up." "They said you guys weren't into hip-hop." The crowd responded by chanting his name to show their support.
A placard from Shakin' Stevens fans mocked Jay-Z's song 99 Problems Profile: Saturday headliner Jay-Z The rapper was preceded on the Pyramid Stage by Winehouse, who has a one-hour slot. A placard from Shakin' Stevens fans mocked Jay-Z's song 99 Problems Profile: Saturday headliner Jay-Z
The Grammy-winning singer was driven to the Somerset site from the London Clinic, where she is being treated for traces of emphysema. "Thanks for all the love here tonight," the star added, saying Glastonbury had "embraced my culture".
Winehouse performed her hits Rehab and Valerie at the Nelson Mandela concert in Hyde Park on Friday, and also returned to the stage for the finale of Free Nelson Mandela. "This is a beautiful moment, I'm glad to share it with each and every one of you," he said.
Glastonbury is her first full UK show for seven months, however. The crowd went wild for the star's hits including 99 Problems, Hard Knock Life and Encore.
Other acts on the main stage on Saturday included Crowded House, Manu Chao and The Raconteurs. He seemed to succeed in winning over the many festival-goers who were unsure about his appearance.
Indie fan James Lucas, 26, wearing a Charlatans T-shirt, said: "It wasn't my bag – but yes, he was very, very good.
"I don't understand the controversy about Jay-Z," singer Lily Allen said See Glastonbury's surreal suburbs"I don't understand the controversy about Jay-Z," singer Lily Allen said See Glastonbury's surreal suburbs
Elsewhere, Massive Attack, Buddy Guy, Biffy Clyro and Will Young were among the artists on the other stages. "When you see people at the top of their game, it's worth it."
Shakin' Stevens was first on the bill on Saturday and said he was overwhelmed by the reaction from fans. Tom O'Shea, 27, from Neath, said it marked "a new era" for the festival.
"When I came off stage I was told it was the biggest crowd - and reaction - they've had on the Pyramid Stage as an opening artist so for that I'm very, very pleased," he told BBC News. "It breaks down boundaries and he was amazing in what he did," he said. "He's the best rapper in the world."
Some 172,000 people were on site by Saturday morning, police said. There was sunshine on Saturday, drying out the mud created by earlier rain. Jay-Z's set sampled songs by U2, Estelle, Rihanna, Amy Winehouse and the Jackson Five.
Crime has almost doubled compared with the same stage last year, with 342 reported offences, up from 177 in 2007. Much of that increase is down to a rise in thefts from tents. But one disappointment was the lack of any surprise guests.
Police said the A37 near the site was now open again, more than two days after being shut following a fire at a nearby scrapyard. His wife Beyonce, Coldplay star Chris Martin, NERD's Pharrell Williams, LinkinPark, Rihanna and Winehouse had all been rumoured to be joining him on stage.
Earlier acts on the main stage on Saturday included Crowded House, Manu Chao, The Raconteurs and Shakin' Stevens.
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Glastonbury organiser Michael Eavis explains why the festival is so specialGlastonbury organiser Michael Eavis explains why the festival is so special
The sun shone for most of the day, drying out mud that was created by rain on Thursday and Friday.
Some 172,000 people were on site by Saturday morning, police said.
Crime has almost doubled compared with the same stage last year, with 342 reported offences, up from 177 in 2007. Much of that increase is down to a rise in thefts from tents.
Your CommentsYour Comments
Linkin Park are playing in Dusseldorf this evening so not likely to make Glastonbury. I would be disappointed if I was going to a "rock" festival and the headliner was a hip-hop artist but it's good to have different genres of music mixed. Maybe he should have had an earlier slot.Stu, Reading, UKLinkin Park are playing in Dusseldorf this evening so not likely to make Glastonbury. I would be disappointed if I was going to a "rock" festival and the headliner was a hip-hop artist but it's good to have different genres of music mixed. Maybe he should have had an earlier slot.Stu, Reading, UK
Rappers ruined Top of the Pops and now they will ruin Glastonbury.John Edmonds, Newquay, UKRappers ruined Top of the Pops and now they will ruin Glastonbury.John Edmonds, Newquay, UK
John - it's funny how you blame everything on rappers. Jay-Z hasn't even performed yet and everyone is saying a hip-hop act shouldn't be headlining the festival. Why don't you lot give him a chance; and it's better to allow different music at Glastonbury. Jay-Z is definitely going to be one of the best performers.Steve, London, UKJohn - it's funny how you blame everything on rappers. Jay-Z hasn't even performed yet and everyone is saying a hip-hop act shouldn't be headlining the festival. Why don't you lot give him a chance; and it's better to allow different music at Glastonbury. Jay-Z is definitely going to be one of the best performers.Steve, London, UK
John - what a sad, silly statement. This is an exchange of cultures, a fun event and Jay-Z will appeal to many people because he is extremely popular; some will "gag", sure, but there is so much to do there. It's about love - show Jay-Z some respect, open your ears, enjoy Glastonbury.Bern, Sarasota, USJohn - what a sad, silly statement. This is an exchange of cultures, a fun event and Jay-Z will appeal to many people because he is extremely popular; some will "gag", sure, but there is so much to do there. It's about love - show Jay-Z some respect, open your ears, enjoy Glastonbury.Bern, Sarasota, US
Why is Amy Winehouse still allowed to play at Glastonbury and the Nelson Mandela concert? She is clearly... a bad role-model and yet is being promoted as "troubled". Let's stop promoting these people until they are "clean" and stop "hero-worshipping" them. All she does is sing. She hasn't saved the world or done anything worthwhile.Stuart, Los Angeles, USWhy is Amy Winehouse still allowed to play at Glastonbury and the Nelson Mandela concert? She is clearly... a bad role-model and yet is being promoted as "troubled". Let's stop promoting these people until they are "clean" and stop "hero-worshipping" them. All she does is sing. She hasn't saved the world or done anything worthwhile.Stuart, Los Angeles, US
Yes, but man can she sing. Lennon didn't save the world, neither did Dylan. My role-models are teachers, not rock stars or actors.Marcel, CanadaYes, but man can she sing. Lennon didn't save the world, neither did Dylan. My role-models are teachers, not rock stars or actors.Marcel, Canada
"All she does is sing." Yes precisely, that's why she was booked for Glastonbury, just like all the other artists. No-one's "hero-worshipping" her, when will all her critics get that through their heads? Who else on the bill has "saved the world"?! It's a music festival for God's sake! The mind boggles.AK, London, UK"All she does is sing." Yes precisely, that's why she was booked for Glastonbury, just like all the other artists. No-one's "hero-worshipping" her, when will all her critics get that through their heads? Who else on the bill has "saved the world"?! It's a music festival for God's sake! The mind boggles.AK, London, UK
I agree with Stuart from LA. Please let's stop idolising and promoting negative role-models - and then we wonder why kids aspire to be like them? Cognitive dissonance, folks. We're losing our minds and we even don't care to notice.Janice, USAI agree with Stuart from LA. Please let's stop idolising and promoting negative role-models - and then we wonder why kids aspire to be like them? Cognitive dissonance, folks. We're losing our minds and we even don't care to notice.Janice, USA
Stuart - what are you on about? So what if she's a bad role-model? How many musicians are good role-models these days? If we only allowed people on stage that didn't drink too much, never took drugs, didn't swear, fornicate or any of the others things synonymous with the music biz (and to be fair much of modern society), we'd be sat there listening to Julie Andrews all day long. In fact, maybe not ever her. Paul, York, UKStuart - what are you on about? So what if she's a bad role-model? How many musicians are good role-models these days? If we only allowed people on stage that didn't drink too much, never took drugs, didn't swear, fornicate or any of the others things synonymous with the music biz (and to be fair much of modern society), we'd be sat there listening to Julie Andrews all day long. In fact, maybe not ever her. Paul, York, UK
When did you last save the world, Stuart? She's a SINGER, not a superhero/cabinet minister... And J Edmonds, what will ruin Glastonbury is people who fail to acknowledge that diversity in music is a strength. Not only has the festival long hosted a range of hip-hop acts, but anyone who has actually been will understand that there are 10 or so headliners at any one time, including the sort of anodyne dross that I'm sure you enjoy. Tom, Providence, USWhen did you last save the world, Stuart? She's a SINGER, not a superhero/cabinet minister... And J Edmonds, what will ruin Glastonbury is people who fail to acknowledge that diversity in music is a strength. Not only has the festival long hosted a range of hip-hop acts, but anyone who has actually been will understand that there are 10 or so headliners at any one time, including the sort of anodyne dross that I'm sure you enjoy. Tom, Providence, US
Amy Winehouse gives us joy and pleasure. I for one can't wait to see her. I salute her efforts to perform during this time in her life and she is a world-class act.Ilan, The NetherlandsAmy Winehouse gives us joy and pleasure. I for one can't wait to see her. I salute her efforts to perform during this time in her life and she is a world-class act.Ilan, The Netherlands
I went to every Glasto that was held in the '90s. During that time I saw (deep breath) De La Soul (twice, first time 1990!), Cypress Hill, the Roots, Michael Franti, Black Eyed Peas, Asian Dub Foundation, the Stereo MCs, Common and many more. It is emphatically NOT just a "rock" festival.Martin Woollacott, Ashburton, UKI went to every Glasto that was held in the '90s. During that time I saw (deep breath) De La Soul (twice, first time 1990!), Cypress Hill, the Roots, Michael Franti, Black Eyed Peas, Asian Dub Foundation, the Stereo MCs, Common and many more. It is emphatically NOT just a "rock" festival.Martin Woollacott, Ashburton, UK
This row about Jay-Z is utterly ridiculous. For a start, Glastonbury did NOT start exclusively as a rock festival anyway. It has always had diverse acts, it's not about the music and I find it very hard to believe that considering he is one of the biggest selling artists in the world, nobody wants to see him. Oasis always were nothing but a totally retro pub-rock band anyway and their attitude is indicative of the narrow-minded viewpoint that is indie music and which has been prevalent for over a decade now.Jon, London, UKThis row about Jay-Z is utterly ridiculous. For a start, Glastonbury did NOT start exclusively as a rock festival anyway. It has always had diverse acts, it's not about the music and I find it very hard to believe that considering he is one of the biggest selling artists in the world, nobody wants to see him. Oasis always were nothing but a totally retro pub-rock band anyway and their attitude is indicative of the narrow-minded viewpoint that is indie music and which has been prevalent for over a decade now.Jon, London, UK
Glastonbury isn't just about rock. It's about music. Yes, most of the time "white" bands play there, and Jay-Z isn't white and doesn't make rock music. But then nor is Amy Winehouse (rock) and nor is Kate Nash (rock) nor Massive Attack nor Will Young. Jay-Z is a world famous musician, producer and yes "rapper" and deserves his slot at Glastonbury. And he will sure rock!Reena, London, UKGlastonbury isn't just about rock. It's about music. Yes, most of the time "white" bands play there, and Jay-Z isn't white and doesn't make rock music. But then nor is Amy Winehouse (rock) and nor is Kate Nash (rock) nor Massive Attack nor Will Young. Jay-Z is a world famous musician, producer and yes "rapper" and deserves his slot at Glastonbury. And he will sure rock!Reena, London, UK
Glastonbury (in the past few years) has not really been a "rock concert". It's more of a pop concert, with all different types of genres. If you want a rock concert then why do the whingers not go to Download or Reading?Iain, Watford, UKGlastonbury (in the past few years) has not really been a "rock concert". It's more of a pop concert, with all different types of genres. If you want a rock concert then why do the whingers not go to Download or Reading?Iain, Watford, UK
Glastonbury is a music festival not a rock festival. It's about quality not genre. Orbital, Chemical Brothers, Basement Jaxx etc have all headlined there and rocked it. Even Kylie was meant to headline the other year! If I was there this year Jay-Z would be top of my list to see. I hope all the little music snobs who only want to hear rock/indie don't ruin it for everyone else tonight...Andrew, Oxford, UKGlastonbury is a music festival not a rock festival. It's about quality not genre. Orbital, Chemical Brothers, Basement Jaxx etc have all headlined there and rocked it. Even Kylie was meant to headline the other year! If I was there this year Jay-Z would be top of my list to see. I hope all the little music snobs who only want to hear rock/indie don't ruin it for everyone else tonight...Andrew, Oxford, UK
I just hope Jay-Z doesn't get bottled off - that would be embarrassing, not only for Glastonbury, but for future "non-guitar"-based artists thinking about playing UK festivals.Toby, Southampton, UKI just hope Jay-Z doesn't get bottled off - that would be embarrassing, not only for Glastonbury, but for future "non-guitar"-based artists thinking about playing UK festivals.Toby, Southampton, UK
I wish people would remember that these are all musicians, whether you like them or not. Their personal lives are not why we listen to them (unless we relate to lyrics based on their experiences). Forget the tabloid mentality of "build them up and tear them down". As for "clean" artists, I'm with Bill Hicks on this one: almost all the artists promoting themselves as "clean, Christian, family-friendly" and so on are really, really dull to listen to. Jay-Z is OK, especially with Linkin Park. Even though I detest most rap, hip-hop, R&B or urban - because it doesn't address the issues in my life or concern me - I like musicians who play instruments and compose their own music over those who sample the work of others and have a crew of people going "woooah" in the background! The music they create is worthwhile in itself.Cargo, Bristol, UKI wish people would remember that these are all musicians, whether you like them or not. Their personal lives are not why we listen to them (unless we relate to lyrics based on their experiences). Forget the tabloid mentality of "build them up and tear them down". As for "clean" artists, I'm with Bill Hicks on this one: almost all the artists promoting themselves as "clean, Christian, family-friendly" and so on are really, really dull to listen to. Jay-Z is OK, especially with Linkin Park. Even though I detest most rap, hip-hop, R&B or urban - because it doesn't address the issues in my life or concern me - I like musicians who play instruments and compose their own music over those who sample the work of others and have a crew of people going "woooah" in the background! The music they create is worthwhile in itself.Cargo, Bristol, UK
To be fair, all popular music put on at Glastonbury is pretty diabolical. Mostly hackneyed dross that only sounds like watered down songs from the sixties. Massive Attack are good, though.Edward Clayton, Warwick, UKTo be fair, all popular music put on at Glastonbury is pretty diabolical. Mostly hackneyed dross that only sounds like watered down songs from the sixties. Massive Attack are good, though.Edward Clayton, Warwick, UK
It's a shame to see visitors to a festival as expressive, inclusive and welcoming as Glastonbury being so narrow-minded about a hip-hop act. Jay-Z is a phenomenal rapper and more importantly, a hugely talented musician in his own right. I think, and indeed hope, that the bizarre prejudice that has been displayed from some quarters of the media and from Glastonbury attendees will vanish tonight when Jay-Z puts on an immense show full of incredible songs. Ian Moreno-Melgar, Sheffield, UKIt's a shame to see visitors to a festival as expressive, inclusive and welcoming as Glastonbury being so narrow-minded about a hip-hop act. Jay-Z is a phenomenal rapper and more importantly, a hugely talented musician in his own right. I think, and indeed hope, that the bizarre prejudice that has been displayed from some quarters of the media and from Glastonbury attendees will vanish tonight when Jay-Z puts on an immense show full of incredible songs. Ian Moreno-Melgar, Sheffield, UK
I've been going to Glastonbury since I was a baby. This was the first year I could have gone without my parents and two things put me off. Jay-Z is awful he doesn't belong here and the tickets are too expensive - in recent years the festival is more concerned with making money than putting on a good show Bring back the decent bands, crowds of hippies and lenient gate staff and I'll be happy.Jasper Wells, Taunton, UKI've been going to Glastonbury since I was a baby. This was the first year I could have gone without my parents and two things put me off. Jay-Z is awful he doesn't belong here and the tickets are too expensive - in recent years the festival is more concerned with making money than putting on a good show Bring back the decent bands, crowds of hippies and lenient gate staff and I'll be happy.Jasper Wells, Taunton, UK
Amy was great last night [at the Mandela gig], but clearly in bad shape physically, and worse shape mentally. Sadly, I think this will be the last good Glasto. It is clearly going downhill and has lost its status. Pity, I loved it in the '80s and '90s.David, Uxbridge, UKAmy was great last night [at the Mandela gig], but clearly in bad shape physically, and worse shape mentally. Sadly, I think this will be the last good Glasto. It is clearly going downhill and has lost its status. Pity, I loved it in the '80s and '90s.David, Uxbridge, UK
Regardless of whether you are a rap fan, rock fan or pop fan, music should be something that brings every one of us together. Jay-Z has sold 50 million albums worldwide, which I am sure is more then some artists put together that are performing at Glasto. All you Jay-Z haters get over yourself and be thankful that he would want to come and perform for you! Mike, Surrey, UKRegardless of whether you are a rap fan, rock fan or pop fan, music should be something that brings every one of us together. Jay-Z has sold 50 million albums worldwide, which I am sure is more then some artists put together that are performing at Glasto. All you Jay-Z haters get over yourself and be thankful that he would want to come and perform for you! Mike, Surrey, UK
What's the big problem with having a rap act headline a so-called rock music festival?! I always thought festivals were a celebration of music, regardless of its genre. Have people failed to realise that Will Young is also on the bill at Glastonbury - not really your typical rock 'n' roll act, is he? I remember when Public Enemy headlined the Reading Festival back in 1992 and there was never this kind of reaction to a rap act on a rock festival bill. Plus they totally blew people away with an incredible performance. Surely we shouldn't be judging anything until after Jay-Z has played. I think we may all be a little surprised.Darren, Worthing, UKWhat's the big problem with having a rap act headline a so-called rock music festival?! I always thought festivals were a celebration of music, regardless of its genre. Have people failed to realise that Will Young is also on the bill at Glastonbury - not really your typical rock 'n' roll act, is he? I remember when Public Enemy headlined the Reading Festival back in 1992 and there was never this kind of reaction to a rap act on a rock festival bill. Plus they totally blew people away with an incredible performance. Surely we shouldn't be judging anything until after Jay-Z has played. I think we may all be a little surprised.Darren, Worthing, UK