Sir Paul McCartney recently started to perform at Glastonbury 2022. He scripted history at the show by becoming the oldest ever solo headliner in the festival’s history. His performance comes a day after Billie Eilish showcased an electric set. She became the youngest ever solo headliner at Glastonbury, rocking out on stage with her brother Finneas and introducing her song Your Power with a harsh statement about the US Supreme Court’s Roe vs Wade decision. However, fans of The Beatles rocker who want to watch from home were left disappointed.
BBC delays live stream angers Paul McCartney fans
The BBC coverage of the performance did not begin until an hour after it began. The 80-year-old musician arrived at the Pyramid Stage at 9.30pm, opening his set with a rendition of The Beatles classic Can’t Buy Me Love.
However, when then fans went to BBC iPlayer and attempt to watch his show on the Glastonbury channel, it stated: “Watch Paul McCartney’s headline performance on the Glastonbury Channel on iPlayer and BBC One from 10.30pm” and it was much to many people’s annoyance.
“Umm, please @BBC can you tell us why Paul McCartney, one of the all time greats, doesn’t get live @glastonbury coverage from the start of his set?” one person tweeted.
“Disgraceful @glastonbury and @BBC, for whatever reason, can’t deliver Paul McCartney live to millions of people,” another wrote.
The BBC later addressed the situation in a statement, emphasising the “complexity of broadcasting an event of this scale.” “This year we are delighted to bring audiences our most extensive coverage of Glastonbury to date,” the broadcaster said.
“Paul McCartney’s much anticipated set was broadcast on BBC One at 10.30pm as well as on Radio 2 and will be available on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds.”
The statement continued: “Due to the complexity of broadcasting an event of this scale and the volume of performances we cover, there is sometimes variation between performances taking place and their transmission.”