After being warned about the lack of big-name female acts signed up, music industry executives have been told to avoid booking ‘wrinkly old white men’ as headline acts for major festivals, Daily Mail reports. Live Nation, the concert promoter, has informed festival organizers that this year’s festivals, including Glastonbury and the Isle of Wight, were dominated by aging males such as Paul McCartney, Liam Gallagher, and the Pet Shop Boys.
It has also been concluded that the recent push to include more black music stars has favored male acts, with rappers such as Stormzy being promoted. ‘We are under strict orders to find more female headlining acts for next summer’s festivals,’ said one major band booker. ‘We’ve been advised to avoid booking wrinkly old men next summer if possible.’
Last June, Lewis Capaldi, Pete Tong, and Muse headlined all three nights of the Isle of Wight festival. Jessie Ware and Freya Ridings were among the few female acts appearing later in the lineup. Meanwhile, Billie Eilish headlined Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage on Friday, Paul McCartney on Saturday, and Kendrick Lamar on Sunday. The only female performer at London’s BST festival was Adele. Other headliners included the Rolling Stones, The Eagles, Pearl Jam, and Duran Duran.
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