The daughter of Glastonbury’s founder Michael Eavis says the festival has a fail safe should the Arctic Monkeys have to cancel.
Prior to this weekend’s highly anticipated festival, the band have had to cancel their Dublin show due to frontman Alex Turner being ill.
With less than 24 hours until they are meant to appear on the iconic Pyramid Stage, Emily Eavis has reassured festivalgoers that Glastonbury has ‘backup plans’.
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Prior to this year’s festival, the Arctic Monkeys have headlined Glastonbury twice– first in 2007 and then in 2013.
Their next performance (June 23) would mark a hat-trick for the Sheffield-based band, however, lead singer Alex Turner has recently been diagnosed with acute laryngitis.
Lasting between a few days and a week, the illness causes intense inflammation of the larynx along with an irritating cough and a fever.
With their huge performance ahead of them, the band were forced to cancel their Dublin gig as the lead singer recovers.
“We are extremely sorry to announce the cancellation of Arctic Monkeys’ show at Marlay Park in Dublin tomorrow,” announced the band in a statement, adding: “Alex is suffering from acute laryngitis, and following medical advice, has been ordered to rest.”
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This was the last update the band gave about Turner, with festivalgoers anxiously awaiting further news.
Fearing that the 37-year-old will not recover in time for the Glastonbury gig, some fans have been expressing their concern about Friday night’s performance on social media.
One even took to Twitter, writing: “Glastonbury starts this Friday and we still have no update on Alex Turner's health. Will he be able to perform?”
However, Emily Eavis has tried to reassure festivalgoers saying that they have ‘backup plans’ should the worst happen.
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She told The Times: “I think we are going to be all right. They’ve cancelled that [Dublin show], he’s recovering. I’m sure we’re going to be all right.”
She added: “We’ve got a couple of backup plans if not. We’ve always got backup plans for everything.”
Whilst the festival organiser didn’t give any further details, many have speculated that the Foo Fighters could replace the headliners at short notice.
Many believe that they are behind the unknown act The Churnups, who will play on the main stage before Royal Blood and the Arctic Monkeys.
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The festival’s line will also include a special performance by Sir Elton John – which will be his first and final gig at Glastonbury.
Topics: Music, Glastonbury, Celebrity
Katherine Sidnell