Here’s The Hives tearing up The Other Stage on the first day of Glastonbury

We’re mere hours into the third day of Glastonbury (or the first day if you’re watching at home) and The Hives have already set the highest of benchmarks for unbridled rock and roll energy.

“Ladies! Gentlemen! Ladies & Gentlemen! Good morning!,” came the opening salvo from legendary Pelle Almqvist as the band begun shortly before 1PM.

While he’ll win no points for getting the time of day right, Almqvist’s uniting energy made up for it – blasting away the hangovers of a sea of groggy-headed Glastonbury goers who were gathered at the Other Stage for another unforgettable day on Worthy Farm.

There was a tantalising taste of new album The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons, including the muscular rock of their new single ‘Bogus Operandi’, but it was the greatest hits that allowed The Other Stage crowd to inevitably hit their stride – including the iconic strains of ‘Hate To Say I Told You So’.

After the best part of 20 years at the top, today’s showing proved that The Hives – even when battling with an early afternoon crowd – remain one of the best live bands on the planet. Long may that continue.