Coldplay stunned fans after they brought Michael J Fox onto the stage at Glastonbury – leaving the actor to brand the experience as “mind-blowing”.
The Back to the Future actor, 63, retired from acting due to his Parkinson’s disease – something he was diagnosed with back in 1991 at the age of 29.
Whilst he no longer appears on the big screen, Fox made a surprise appearance over the weekend after Coldplay frontman Chris Martin announced to festivalgoers: “With his Chuck Berry riff and the way he punched Biff: ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Michael J. Fox.”
The band and Fox went on to perform Humankind before going on to play one of their iconic tunes Fix You, leaving Fox to rock out on his guitar whilst remaining in the wheelchair.
The 47-year-old singer credited Fox with his success, stating: “The main reason we’re in a band is because of Back to the Future, so thank you to Michael, our hero.”
After joining the headline act, Fox took to his Instagram page to reminisce on the moment and alongside a series of images he penned: “My team: Lauren, John and Jeff and Steve.
“Glastonbury all the love and thanks to the @coldplay team who took such great care of us. And many thanks to Chris, Will, Johnny, Guy and Phil. Oh yeah in case you were wondering…it was f***ing mind blowing.
“There is a time for every band and a band for every time. This is @coldplay’s time. More pics to come.”
Many fans were left thrilled for the actor to have been part of the special moment – with one commenting on the post: “Not afraid to say that I was crying happy tears watching your moment!”
“My reason to keep on going regardless of my PD. MJF is indeed an example of living life to the fullest,” another added before a third said: “You’re a hero, Michael.”
Chris Martin surprised fans with an appearance from Michael J Fox
BBC
Someone else penned: “I was a Lucky Guy to have been in that crowd. You rock.”
“Michael, you look amazing and happy. Thanks for sharing this with us and you look like a rockstar,” a fifth wrote before another expressed: “Awesome! You’re amazing and such a true inspiration to all of us living with PD! Your optimism is inspiring to us all.”
As well as Fox, Martin also paid tribute to Glastonbury founder Sir Michael Eavis who took to the stage earlier in the week to kick off the festival, with his daughter Emily Eavis noting his voice was “better than ever”.
As the 88-year-old came out on stage in his wheelchair, he was met with a rapturous cheer from the crowd of thousands and began to perform a set of just over 20 minutes, singing Frank Sinatra hits including Love’s Been Good To Me and It Was A Very Good Year, as well as Elvis Presley’s Suspicious Minds.
Sir Michael Eavis also took to the stage over the five days and received a shout out from Chris Martin
BBC
His daughter and co-founder told PA: “It was wonderful. It’s the best start for me to see him on the stage and his voice sounded better than ever.”
In previous years, the co-creator of the Glastonbury Festival was aided by a singer who had the job of turning his pages of sheet music as he read the lyrics, something that Eavis noted was not of concern this year.
The 44-year-old explained: “No, he was raring to go. He’s had a few rehearsals and he was really up for it. It’s just so good to see him out there and receive all that love.”
