Glastonbury 2023: Could Harry Styles replace Arctic Monkeys; what has stopped Harry performing at Worthy Farm?

Could it be third time unlucky for Arctic Monkeys as their third headlining Glastonbury gig is now looking uncertain after frontman Alex Turner comes down with acute laryngitis?

The band, consisting of Turner, Jamie Cook, Nick O’Malley and Matt Helders, have been travelling around the UK and Ireland the past month and a half and were scheduled to play Dublin’s Malahide Castle tonight before their primetime Friday slot in Worthy Farm.

However, under doctor’s orders Alex Turner has had to pull out of Tuesday’s performance and rest up, with three days to go to Glastonbury.

A statement was published to the Arctic Monkeys social media pages that read: “We are extremely sorry to announce the cancellation of Arctic Monkeys’ show at Marlay Park in Dublin tomorrow.”

The four-piece added that full refunds were being given to ticket purchasers and will be credited back within six working days.

As Arctic Monkeys’ fans ask themselves ‘Do I Wanna Know?’ whether Alex will be back to full health on Friday, Glastonbury attendees seemingly have found a suitable replacement for Friday…if he says yes, that is…

Fans are suggesting that Harry Styles could make a stop at Worthy Farm, only a two-hour drive away from his most recent concert in Cardiff, before he flies to Belgium on the weekend to continue his Love on Tour.

The ‘As It Was’ hitmaker was rumoured to be a surprise set at the 2022 Glastonbury Festival but this opportunity may allow him a headlining spot in Somerset.

While Harry has been on the road for three years performing in the likes of Australia, Argentina and America, this would be his first ever Glastonbury performance - if the fans’ wishes do come true.

Now, although he has never stepped foot on the Pyramid Stage throughout his 13-year-career, Harry is no stranger to festivals as seen by his headlining Coachella gig and his performance at Radio 1’s Big Weekend, both last year.

So, if Harry is not adverse to festivals, what has stopped him playing at Glastonbury before now?

Some would argue that Harry’s calendar has been busy enough up until this point considering his lengthy tours, both solo and with One Direction, his movie roles in Don’t Worry Darling and My Policeman and the respective awards shows and events, meaning he could not fit Glastonbury in.

Others would suggest that Harry has been waiting for the right time to headline Glastonbury as mentioned before. 

If the stars align, this year could turn out to be the perfect time for Harry Styles to fill in as he is reportedly planning a break from the music circuit after his Love on Tour wraps up on 22 July 2023; however, Arctic Monkeys are not backing out yet.