Glastonbury has officially got off the mark on Wednesday night, and by all accounts it was an exciting occasion despite the heavy rain clouds. Festival goers will be hoping a further, even darker cloud, avoids the Pyramid Stage as Arctic Monkeys’ set has been thrown into doubt after frontman Alex Turner has been diagnosed with acute Laryngitis.
Arctic Monkeys Cancel Dublin Show Due to Illness Ahead of Glastonbury Performancehttps://t.co/AtOIvhqz24#articmonkeys #illness #cancelation #show #alexturner pic.twitter.com/NOW3qi2GKz
— Raymond Flotat (@mxdwn) June 20, 2023
The vocal ailment has the potential to completely sideline the band, as it has now emerged that the Sheffield Indie rock heroes may have to pull the plug on their appearance at the hallowed grounds in Somerset. The group have already cancelled their Dublin show on Tuesday and fans are understandably nervous that Arctic Monkeys may have to give Glastonbury a miss as well.
In an effort to quell the anxiety over what is arguably one of the most eagerly awaited performances, co-organiser Emily Eavis has shared her belief that things will turn out just fine. Speaking to reporters outside Glastonbury’s gates, she said, “I think we are going to be alright. They’ve cancelled that [Dublin show], he’s recovering. I’m sure we’re going to be alright.”
| Glastonbury’s Emily Eavis has back-up plan if Arctic Monkeys are forced to cancel More below pic.twitter.com/iUwB5OHbMY — LADbible (@ladbible) June 22, 2023
In a worst case scenario, the festival seems to have contingency plans in place with Eavis declaring that there are always back up plans. With such a sprawling festival that gathers around 210,000 fans, plan Bs have to be well organised should the rare event happen that a band cannot play. So, festival goers can rest easy that no matter what happens, Glastonbury will be sure to please.
And the festival is often full of surprises. Only days ago it was announced that The Pretenders would be doing a surprise set on the Park Stage and rumours have been rife that none other than legendary American superstars, the Foo Fighters would be making a surprise appearance. In fact, many have speculated that it will be the Dave Grohl fronted mega band that will replace Arctic Monkeys should that come to pass. Eavis has remained mum on the topic however.
All of this could (and most likely will) be moot however, as according to The Independent on Thursday evening, Turner is fine and fully intends to lead the Arctic Monkeys out onto the Pyramid Stage to fulfil their headlining slot. The thousands of fans thronging the Glastonbury festival grounds will certainly be keeping their fingers crossed that this turns out to be true.
The Arctic Monkeys are at the end of their UK and Ireland tour with special guests The Hives and the Mysterines. Besides their Glastonbury set, the band have one date left-in Glasgow on Sunday.
Arctic Monkeys UK and Ireland Tour:
23/06/2023 – Glastonbury Festival – Somerset
25/06 – Bellahouston Park – Glasgow
