Glastonbury 2023: Emily Eavis assures fans if Arctic Monkeys drop out they have a few back-up plans

Two mysteries now surround Glastonbury Festival 2023; the first is the well-documented sleuthing around who ‘The Churnups’ are, but now there is the bigger question if Arctic Monkeys will be ready to take to the Pyramid Stage for their Friday headlining slot. The band recently cancelled a show in Ireland with lead singer Alex Turner coming down with a case of laryngitis, prompting fans to ponder if the singer will be ok to perform tomorrow evening.

But as far as festival booker Emily Eavis is concerned, she’s confident that the band will make it to Worthy Farm and perform their headlining set. ““I think we are going to be alright. They’ve cancelled that, he’s recovering. I’m sure we’re going to be alright,” Eavis told reporters at the gates of Worthy Farm when the site opened yesterday (June 21 2023.) 

But in the event that it isn't alright, rest assured that there is a contingency plan in place; “We’ve got a couple of back-up plans if not,” Eavis continued to the assembled media outside the farm’s gates. “We’ve always got back-up plans for everything.”

Could those back up plans be, for example, Harry Styles stepping in at the last minute, or perhaps even another act stepping up to fill that headlining slot from earlier in the day - say, the often rumoured Foo Fighters who many claim will be playing a secret set on the Pyramid Stage before Royal Blood? “I wouldn’t like to give anything away. You’ve got to allow the surprise to happen. It’s all about the surprise,” Eavis responded when queried about the matter.

Those who are, or potentially were, looking forward to Arctic Monkeys performing their headlining set at Glastonbury shouldn't feel too disheartened with whoever may replace them. Glastonbury Festival has always had a knack of finding suitable replacements and at times have seen those artists take the opportunity and run with it.

Many Stone Roses fans may recall being upset about the band having to pull out of their headline performance at Glastonbury Festival 1995 after an “injury” to guitarist John Squire. In their absence, a rough-shot group of Sheffield misfits were asked to take over the set instead. That band used their headline performance to finally sit at the ‘Cool Britannia’ dinner table with Oasis, Blur and (at that stage) Suede.

People came for The Stone Roses; they got Pulp’s iconic Glastonbury 1995 set instead, one that continues to live on in music festivals and Britpop folklore.

When Pulp headlined Glastonbury Festival 1995

When Pulp was approached to fill in as headliners, Jarvis Cocker, the band's enigmatic frontman, expressed his excitement and described it as a pivotal moment for the band's career. He said, "We received the call to headline Glastonbury with short notice, and it was a mixture of shock and thrill. We knew this was a make-or-break opportunity for us, and we were determined to deliver a performance that would leave a lasting impression."

Pulp had been steadily building their reputation throughout the 1990s, with albums like His 'n' Hers and Different Class receiving critical acclaim. However, their slot as headliners at Glastonbury catapulted them into the mainstream spotlight and showcased their ability to command a massive audience.

Cocker's onstage presence and charismatic performance during the Glastonbury set are often highlighted as the defining factors of its success. His unique stage antics and distinctively witty lyrics resonated with the crowd, creating a palpable energy that rippled through the massive audience. The setlist included crowd favourites such as ‘Common People,’ ‘Disco 2000,’ and ‘Sorted for E's & Wizz,’ which further amplified the crowd's enthusiasm.

Pulp's Glastonbury set not only showcased their musical prowess but also encapsulated the spirit of the Britpop movement. It was a defining moment for the band, solidifying their place within the cultural landscape of the 1990s and leaving an indelible mark on Glastonbury's history.

Reflecting on the experience, Jarvis Cocker later said, "Headlining Glastonbury was an incredible high point for us. It was a surreal and exhilarating experience, playing to such a massive and passionate audience. We fed off their energy, and it was a moment that will stay with us forever."