Arianna Powell, Olivia Rodrigo's guitarist, sheds tears upon discovering her impending collaboration with The Cure's veteran musician, Robert Smith.
At this year's Glastonbury Festival, Olivia Rodrigo delivered a memorable guitar-heavy rock show, marking a significant moment in her career. The performance, one of the highlights of the festival, saw the pop sensation joined on stage by the legendary Robert Smith of The Cure.
Smith, known for his casual attitude towards performances, expressed that it was "just another show." However, his presence undoubtedly added an extra layer of excitement for the audience. For the collaboration, Smith played the lead lines for The Cure classics on a Gretsch Silver Falcon guitar, while Rodrigo's band, led by lead guitarist Arianna Powell, delivered energetic performances on their instruments.
Powell, a seasoned session player who has worked with artists such as Halsey and Black Eyed Peas, was particularly emotional about the collaboration. The choice to use a Jackson guitar for heavier moments in the show was influenced by Rodrigo and her band's admiration for hardcore darlings Turnstile. During the performance, Powell used a Kemper to ensure her tones were accurate.
Robert Smith offered reassuring words to Rodrigo's band before they took the stage, boosting their energy for the performance. Smith was sociable and open to his dressing room during the Glastonbury festival, adding to the collaborative and friendly atmosphere.
The collaboration resulted in the performance of two Cure classics, "Friday I’m In Love" and "Just Like Heaven." This performance was part of Rodrigo's guitar-driven live shows inspired by rock and riot grrrl themes, consistent with the themes of her album *Guts*.
The Glastonbury performance was just one stop on Rodrigo's Guts World Tour, which included various festival performances in 2025, such as the Rock Werchter and Mad Cool Festival. These shows featured a mix of songs from *Guts* and *Sour*, highlighting Rodrigo's ability to blend her music style with energetic live performances.
A full interview with Ariana Powell about her experience working with Olivia Rodrigo and Robert Smith will be published later this month on the website. The collaboration undoubtedly added a unique twist to Rodrigo's performance, making it one of the most talked-about moments of the Glastonbury Festival 2025.
Smith's casual attitude towards performances contrasted with the excitement generated by his presence during the collaboration with Olivia Rodrigo at the Glastonbury Festival. Powell, a seasoned session player influenced by rock and hardcore darlings, used a Jackson guitar for heavier moments and a Kemper to ensure accurate tones during the performance. The collaboration resulted in a unique twist to Rodrigo's guitar-driven live shows, inspired by rock and riot grrrl themes, as evidenced by the performance of The Cure classics, "Friday I’m In Love" and "Just Like Heaven."
