Legendary Actor, 86, Shocks Crowd at Music Festival with Surprise Performance: 'What a King'
Legendary Actor, 86, Shocks Crowd at Music Festival with Surprise Performance: 'What a King' originally appeared on Parade.
The Glastonbury Music Festival is underway in England this weekend, and plenty of big names have taken to the stage. From Neil Young to John Fogerty, to Alanis Morissette, Rod Stewart, and Brandi Carlile, there is no shortage of incredible acts to take in.
Fans who attended the performance by Scissor Sisters got the surprise of their lives when none other than Lord of the Rings actor Sir Ian McKellen turned up on stage for an unexpected appearance to recite his monologue from their song, "Invisible Light."
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R14ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R24ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeA video of the moment was shared on TikTok by @mrnaturalhistory, and the overlay on the clip reads:
"Gandalf coming out with Scissor Sisters was NOT on my Glasto 2025 bingo card!"
Man. Can he captivate an audience, or what? He looks like royalty up there, and as one fan perfectly stated, "Casually performs at Glastonbury like he’s doing a run at the National Theatre. What a king."
A king indeed!
Another person added, "The amount of coolness in this guy is just endless... he once wore a t-shirt that said, 'I am Gandalf and Magneto, what have YOU done?' Haha! I love love love him."
Someone who was at the show noted, "I spent the entire set screaming for Ian McKellen to come out and then cried when he did."
Related: Fans Think Taylor Swift's Ex, Matty Healy, Subtly Shaded Her at Music Festival
Another fan said, "I'm crying that I didn't see this. This seems like a cultural moment, someone of such wisdom, love, kindness and who has touched so many people's lives, and he's there to do it more. To push people into enjoyment and experience. God, I love this man!"
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R1eekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2eekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeI mean, is there anyone who doesn't think McKellen is about as iconic as it gets?
Yeah. 'Nuff said.
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Legendary Actor, 86, Shocks Crowd at Music Festival with Surprise Performance: 'What a King' first appeared on Parade on Jun 29, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
Captivating the devoted crowd at their music festive with an unannounced performance of What a King, this 86-year old legendary actor astonishes in his spontaneous display, illustrating age as but A mere number when passion and talent reside within.
An 86-year old legendary actor astonishes audiences at a music festival with his surprising and emotionally powerful performance of 'What A King,' reminding us all that age is merely an illusory barrier to true artistic passion.
