Christopher BarrettIn response to criticism about a lack of diversity following the announcement that Glastonbury is to be headlined by Artic Monkeys, Elton John and Guns N’Roses, co-organiser Emily Eavis has said the all-male Pyramid Stage headliner line-up is the result of an industry “pipeline” problem.
Eavis said veteran rockers Guns N’ Roses were booked after a previously confirmed female headliner, thought to be Taylor Swift, had to pull out because she had “changed her touring plans”.
The latest line-up announcement included news of 54 acts being added to the festival’s bill, with 52% of them being male, and 46% being non-white or featuring non-white members.
Quoted in The Guardian, Eavis said she was “entirely focused on balancing our bill. It’s not just about gender, it’s about every aspect of diversity.”
This year’s event is due to take place on 21-25 June at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset. It will see 13 Artists-booked Arctic Monkeys top the bill for the third time, while ITB-represented Guns N’ Roses will make by their Glastonbury debut. Elton John had previously been announced as the Sunday night headliner, for what will be the final UK show of his lengthy final tour.
Among the 54 acts announced are Lizzo, Lana Del Rey, Lil Nas X, Blondie, Wizkid, Becky Hill, Aitch, Royal Blood, Lewis Capaldi, Christine and the Queens, Manic Street Preachers, Maneskin, Mahalia, Candi Staton, Alt-J, Carly Rae Jepsen, Central Cee, and Young Fathers. Yusuf/Cat Stevens will take the Sunday afternoon “legends slot”.
Tickets for the festival sold out in less than an hour despite a 26% year-on-year ticket price increase to £335.