As the Glastonbury Festival kicks off, music fans eagerly await the performances of their favorite artists on the iconic stages. However, this year’s event has been met with a fair share of uncertainty and controversy. The anticipated headline set by Arctic Monkeys hangs in the balance as frontman Alex Turner battles with laryngitis, leading to the cancellation of their Dublin show just days before their scheduled performance on Friday at Glastonbury.
As reported by NME, Emily Eavis, co-organizer of the festival alongside her father Michael, remains hopeful that the Arctic Monkeys will still be able to take the stage despite Turner’s illness. Addressing reporters at the festival’s opening day, Eavis stated, “I think we are going to be all right. They’ve cancelled that, he’s recovering. I’m sure we’re going to be all right.” However, she also revealed the existence of backup plans in case the band is unable to perform, reassuring attendees that the festival always has contingencies in place.
Arctic Monkeys have previously headlined Glastonbury in 2007 and 2013, making this their third potential appearance in the coveted slot. The possibility of the Foo Fighters stepping in to fill the headline position if the Arctic Monkeys are unable to perform has been the subject of much speculation. When questioned about this, Eavis maintained a sense of secrecy, stating, “I wouldn’t like to give anything away. You’ve got to allow the surprise to happen. It’s all about the surprise.”
Amidst these uncertainties, the festival’s headline acts have not been without controversy. Guns N’ Roses, a band with an illustrious history but limited recent output, headlining the event has raised eyebrows. Noel Gallagher, a prominent figure in the music industry, expressed his discontent with the decision, questioning why Guns N’ Roses were chosen over “huge British artists who’ve had albums out this past year.” Gallagher’s remarks highlight the clash between honoring legendary acts and recognizing the current achievements of homegrown talent.
Nevertheless, Glastonbury 2023 boasts an impressive lineup. As the Glastonbury Festival unfolds, attendees and fans alike eagerly await the resolution of the Arctic Monkeys’ headline predicament. Will they conquer Turner’s illness and deliver a performance for the ages? Only time will tell. In the meantime, the spirit of surprise and the magic of live music permeate the air, making Glastonbury a truly remarkable experience.
