In the past six months, the world has lost three of the most influential musicians of the 20th and 21st centuries – and Glastonbury isn’t letting them go without a bang.

The Glastonbury music festival’s forays into hip-hop over the years have been controversial (it’s “wrong” to have rappers at Glasto, according to Noel Gallagher) but this year the festival is paying tribute to some true icons of rock’n’roll.

In addition to a line-up that includes Foals, PJ Harvey, ZZ Top, Grimes, Savages and James Blake, Glastonbury is saluting three giants of the industry who have died in the past six months. Festival organisers Michael and Emily Eavis have revealed their plans to honour and celebrate Prince, David Bowie and Lemmy, who performed with his band Motörhead at the festival last year before his death.

According to The Guardian, sculptor Joe Rush has been commissioned to create a giant Ziggy Stardust lightning bolt that will be displayed across the Pyramid stage, where the big headliners (including Coldplay and Adele) will play. On either side will be a set of wings and, in the middle, a huge open eye.

SEE ALSO: Jarryd James on the Journeys That Inspired Him

Rush has also constructed a sculptural tribute to Lemmy in the form of a peace sign made of spanners and decorated with an aluminium ace of spades, an engine and a huge pair of ram’s horns.

Last but not least, the Purple One will be commemorated with a four-metre-tall glitter-covered hand holding a purple crown, with a white dove hovering above. Prince would surely approve.

Musical tributes will include an orchestra performing Philip Glass’s fourth symphony, which was inspired by Bowie’s Heroes. Bowie was a huge fan of the composer and they influenced each other’s work extensively. Plus, a DJ set played by Hot Chip’s Alexis Taylor will be dedicated to Prince.

The Glastonbury Festival runs from June 22 to 26, 2016.

Top photo image: Lemmy by Mark Marek, David Bowie by Adam Bielawski, Prince by Magnus Mansk.

You may also like