Michael J. Fox joined Coldplay Saturday night for a surprise performance at the Glastonbury music festival.
The “Back to the Future” star had previously appeared with the band in 2016. This time, he arrived in a wheelchair to join in for two of their songs during the encore.
Frontman Chris Martin provided a freestyle riff in the middle of their 2021 hit “Humankind.”
“Here is another legendary Michael, ” Martin said about Fox after also introducing festival founder Sir Michael Eavis. “One who just totally rocks. With his Chuck Berry riff and the way he punched Biff: ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Michael J. Fox.”
Fox, 63, has been battling Parkinson’s Disease since 1991. He was bound to a wheelchair as he held a guitar in his lap during the band’s headlining set.
Martin knelt near Fox for “Fix You.”
During the song’s interlude, Martin sang “Go, Johnny, Go, Go, Go” a call to “Back to the Future” where Fox’s character, Marty McFly, performed Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” at his parents’ high school dance.
Martin later told the crowd that Fox was the reason the band formed in the first place.
“Especially thank you to the main reason why we’re in a band, is because of watching ‘Back to the Future,’” he told the crowd.
“So thank you to our hero forever, and one of the most amazing people on Earth, Mr. Michael J. Fox,” Martin added. “Thank you so much, our hero.”
Fox also performed with Coldplay at MetLife Stadium in July 2016, where they performed “Johnny B. Goode” in its entirety.
Watch the complete video above.
UPDATE: In an Instagram post today, Fox praised his team and Coldplay for making the moment happen.
“Glastonbury, all the love and thanks to the @coldplay team who took such great care of us,” he wrote in the caption, before acknowledging the band’s members. “And many thanks to Chris, Will, Johnny, Guy and Phil.”
Fox continued, “Oh yeah in case you were wondering…it was f—— mind-blowing. There is a time for every band and a band for every time. This is @coldplay’s time.”
James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
