Mid-decade review: Moments of the decade so far

The biggest moments in music from 2020-2024 as selected by our panel - and your chance to vote for your favourite!

And so we come to our finally category of the mid-decade review: the music moments of the decade so far. Whether it's moments which had a huge cultural impact or moments which warmed the hearts of our panel, this perhaps is the hardest category to fill.

Hard to believe now, but the early part of the decade was beset by lockdowns and a worldwide pandemic courtesy of COVID-19. This plays a part in the selections by our four panel members - and rightly so. But, besides this gargantuan moment in society, there are acknowledgements of landmark performances, cultural phenomenons and announcements which attracted global press.

So, read our panels summaries before selecting your top moment in the poll at the bottom of the page.

Karl Blakesley - LeftLion Music Editor and 5-9 Album of the Month podcaster

Live music returning after lockdown

It’s easy to forget just how uncertain the future of live music was at one point. With COVID taking over and seemingly no end in sight, it looked like festivals and gigs would never be the same again – thank God that wasn’t the case! When restrictions were completely lifted, one of the first things I attended was a small capacity festival in Leicestershire called 110 Above Festival. They had an intimate Thursday show in their repurposed Old Town Hall building, featuring Yorkshire outfit The Howl & The Hum. Safe to say, I cried like a baby and I’m sure every person and artist can remember their first show back and just how emotional it was to experience the community of live music once again. However, with music venues continuing to struggle in the aftermath of those times, let’s try and not take it all for granted!

The Weeknd’s Super Bowl half-time show

Back in 2021, The Weeknd had the unfortunate honour of headlining the Super Bowl half-time show under COVID restrictions, limiting the usually extravagant production. Thankfully, Abel still had his impeccable voice and an enviable catalogue of hits, allowing him to create one of the most memorable and impressive half-time shows of recent times. While it was packed with spectacular and heavily meme-ed moments, the best part of the short set came when Abel’s army of marching dancers transitioned effortlessly from 'House of Balloons' into 'Blinding Lights'. Amazing!

Kendrick Lamar at Glastonbury

Probably my favourite Glasto performance of the decade so far, Kendrick’s first headline performance at Worthy Farm in 2022 was a powerful moment that left me shook to my core.

After an already blistering and near faultless 22-song headline set, the Tiffany diamond encrusted crown of thorns that he had been wearing throughout the show suddenly started to ooze blood. As his closing track 'Savior' began to reach its climax, his dancers gathered around him as his face wore a graphic crimson mask. As fireworks shot off over the iconic Pyramid Stage, Kendrick would repeatedly scream “They judged you, they judged Christ - God speed for women’s rights” into his microphone, taking a clear shot at the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade just a day or so prior to his performance. Powerful and provocative, it proved why Kendrick is one of music’s modern greats.

Adam Reeve - Dead Good Music Editor

The music industry's reaction to COVID-19

I think a significant moment in music was probably its reaction to COVID. A big part of the industry is the live circuit, with tours and festivals happening all year round. As lockdowns were introduced, and lasted for years in total, it was interesting to see how the industry pivoted during that time. Artists were suddenly performing live on their socials, engaging with fans on a more direct basis like ever before. Certain festivals adopted a remote approach, and while it didn't feel quite the same, it still provided enough reassurance and normality to fans. It was a weird time, but one that shouldn't be overlooked.

Phil Taylor - Music Observer blog founder

The re-emergence of live performances as restrictions were lifted after COVID.

I’ll never forget the joyous energy from artists and audience when we were finally able to be together again.

Divorce, a Nottingham band, appearing on the cover of the NME.

Cover stars: Divorce

Holly Humberstone's rise

Holly's rise has been balanced, gradual, but very definite. I've seen a few of her live performances and it was great to see her increasing confidence. From support slots, to a headline slot at Barn On The Farm, a BRITS Award in 2021 and very high-profile performance in 2022, a beautifully honest Glastonbury set in 2022 where she pushed through nerves, opening for a Taylor Swift Eras show in 2024...

A nice segue for my final choice: the Eras tour.

Andrew Belt - 5-9 editor

Glastonbury performance #1: Paul McCartney

At 80 years of age, Paul McCartney delivered a headline set for the ages in 2022, lasting nearly three hours and seeing cameos from Bruce Springsteen, Dave Grohl and even John Lennon, with the late Beatles bandmate 'duetting' via an isolated vocal track.

Glastonbury performance #2: Elton John

Debuting at the festival for his final ever UK show, Elton John in 2023 at the comparably young age of 76 brought the curtain down on his live shows with a hit-laden set. With cameos from current stars, this was a highly joyful and emotional show.

Metallica's two-night stint at Download Festival 2023

Having toyed with the idea of attending Download Festival over the years, the announcement that Metallica would do two headline sets to mark the festival's 20th year had me finally succumbing to the temptation. In imperious form, each performance was rich in musical execution and demonstrated why they sit at the top table of metal bands, having innovated throughout their career.

Photo credit: Simon Emmett

Bombshell #1: Oasis's return

It was like the days of Britpop once again as news of the Gallagher brothers burying the hatchet to once again ride together as Oasis dominated headlines and indeed, general conversations around the UK. People who I had never heard talk about music tried to get tickets and next summer will be a big one accordingly!

Bombshell #2: Linkin Park's return

Rather more contentiously (and hard to believe both announcements came within a month of each other last year) was the return of Linkin Park. Like many I'd assumed the project could never return after Chester Bennington's tragic death, but the band showed they still saw a future, with Emily Armstrong joining the fold. Contentious enough but further controversies followed and it's safe to say that this relaunch was far from smooth, if commercially successful.

And finally: BRAT summer. Need I say more? No, because I didn't get it, but its impact was palpable and more than worthy of making the list!

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So, there are the nominations and now it's over to you to choose the moment of the decade so far! Submit answers by 7pm on Saturday 7 June.

What has been the moment in music of the decade so far?

• The music industry's reaction to COVID
• The return of live music after COVID
• The Weeknd's Super Bowl half-time show
• Kendrick Lamar at Glastonbury 2022

See All Options