On the sixth day of the British Summer Time Hyde Park concert series, the energy was electric—and the temperature just as high. With scorching sun and clear blue skies pushing the mercury close to 30°C, the annual festival in London’s historic park hit its stride with a triple bill of iconic performers. While the heat had some arriving fashionably late to dodge the peak sun, no one wanted to miss what would become a magical evening of timeless music.
Van Morrison Opens the Day with Soulful Power
Van Morrison was first to grace the Great Oak Stage, stepping out in a patterned blue shirt, shaded by a brimmed hat and sunglasses, clearly unfazed by the sweltering heat. Never one for small talk, Morrison let the music speak. Backed by an ensemble of brass, double bass, guitar, and soulful backing vocals, the 78-year-old legend performed with the calm mastery of a man who has spent a lifetime immersed in sound.
His set dipped in and out of soul, jazz, folk, and rhythm & blues, pulling tracks from across ten of his albums and sprinkling in well-chosen covers. A highlight was a rousing performance of Gloria, reminding the crowd just how deep his musical roots go. Morrison may keep his audience at arm’s length, but the music embraced everyone present.
Yusuf / Cat Stevens Brings Peace and Protest
As the sun began to dip, Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens) appeared, greeted by vibrant, animated visuals on the stage’s massive screens. Wearing his familiar white shirt and waistcoat, he offered a stark contrast to Morrison’s cool detachment—Yusuf was warm, emotional, and deeply connected with his audience.
His set unfolded like a personal journey of peace and reflection. Early classics like The First Cut is the Deepest and Father and Son sparked moving singalongs, but the moment took a poignant turn when Yusuf paused to address the tragic situation in Palestine. Introducing The Little Ones, he offered a heartfelt plea for compassion, adding gravity to an already emotional performance.
The night’s theme of hope returned in full force as Wild World and Peace Train closed his set, met with raised hands, swaying bodies, and voices united in harmony.
Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts Deliver Fire and Fury
As the sky shifted into twilight, the final act took the stage—and what a finale it was. Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts perform at BST Hyde Park with a raw, unfiltered energy that left the crowd awestruck. From the moment Young launched into Ambulance Blues and Cowgirl in the Sand, it was clear we were in the presence of a legend who still has plenty of fuel in the tank.
Backed by the youthful and electrifying Chrome Hearts, Young’s classic sound was given new life. Wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with an anatomical heart, Young stayed mostly silent between songs, letting his iconic lyrics and searing guitar work do all the talking. The chemistry between the band was palpable, especially during the extended instrumental breaks, where the guitarists circled around Young like disciples drawn to their master.
Songs like The Needle and the Damage Done and Harvest Moon transported the audience back decades, evoking memories and emotions with each chord. Couples clung to one another during the soft ballads, while Hey Hey, My My jolted everyone back to their feet.
Of course, the encore was nothing short of explosive. Rockin’ in the Free World echoed across Hyde Park, a defiant anthem that remains as politically charged today as it was when first released. Its irony hit hard—a reminder that despite all the years, the societal issues Young has long sung about still haunt us. Yet, there’s something powerful, even comforting, in the chorus: “Hey hey, my my, rock and roll can never die.”
A Night to Remember
In the end, this blisteringly hot day became something more than a concert—it became a statement. Through the soul of Morrison, the compassion of Yusuf, and the raw power of Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts, BST Hyde Park was transformed into a space of reflection, resistance, and joy. Each artist brought their truth to the stage—and the crowd left with hearts full and voices hoarse, grateful to have witnessed legends doing what they do best.
