Arctic Monkeys Glastonbury set in doubt as fans predict possible replacements

20 June 2023 , 08:42
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Arctic Monkeys Glastonbury - Alex Turner
Arctic Monkeys Glastonbury - Alex Turner's laryngitis, possible replacements and fan theories (Image: John Barry/REX/Shutterstock)

Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner's health health woes has thrown the band's upcoming Glastonbury headline slot into doubt.

Fans fear Turner and his bandmates will be no-shows on the Pyramid Stage on the Friday of the festival, following the group being forced to cancel an open-air concert in Dublin on Tuesday due to Turner suffering from acute laryngitis.

In a statement shared on social media on Monday, the band apologised to their fans and explained: "Alex is suffering from acute laryngitis and, following medical advice, has been ordered to rest."

The fact Turner is suffering from an inflammatory condition that can take at least a week to recover from has sparked major concern the Arctic Monkeys will have no choice but to pull out of Glastonbury.

"Back in 2013, Alex Turner had to cancel shows due to laryngitis and was back on stage 5 days after the first cancellation. He has 4 days to get his voice ready for the Arctic Monkeys' Glastonbury set on Friday... hopefully it won't risk damage but that's a bit touch and go," one fan mused on Twitter as the news broke on Monday.

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"Woah what about Glastonbury? He's not gonna properly recover for Glastonbury.." another feared.

Arctic Monkeys Glastonbury set in doubt as fans predict possible replacementsArctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner has been struck down with a bout of laryngitis (Simone Joyner/Getty Images)
Arctic Monkeys Glastonbury set in doubt as fans predict possible replacementsDavid Bowie also suffered from the inflammatory condition just days before his 2000 Glastonbury set (Redferns)

Laryngitis is when your voice box or vocal cords in the throat become irritated or swollen. It usually goes away by itself within 1 to 2 weeks, according to the NHS. Symptoms include a hoarse or croaky voice or even sometimes losing your voice - not ideal for a lead singer of a rock band.

While many fear the worse, more hopeful fans are looking back at David Bowie's headline performance on the Pyramid Stage in 2000, where the late music icon wowed the crowds at Worthy Farm just days on from recovering from a bout of laryngitis.

Addressing the Glastonbury crowd during his spellbinding set, the Heroes singer confessed: "I'm very fearful tonight, because I got struck down with laryngitis earlier this week.

"So if I give out, and if any of you know the words, for gawd's sake, join in."

Arctic Monkeys fans heading down to Glastonbury over the next few days will be praying Turner follows in Bowie's footsteps, but possible replacements for the band from Sheffield are already being discussed.

"if Coldplay replace Arctic Monkeys as Glasto headliner, I will simply die, that’s so funny, it’s so not an adequate replacement," one Twitter user seemingly not a fan of Chris Martin's band mused online on Monday.

"In the unlikely case Arctic Monkeys pull out of Glastonbury, Michael and Emily Eavis, give us PULP," another begged the Glastonbury organisers.

Arctic Monkeys Glastonbury set in doubt as fans predict possible replacementsFans are already predicting who could replace the band if Turner doesn't recover in time (Michal Augustini/REX/Shutterstock)
Arctic Monkeys Glastonbury set in doubt as fans predict possible replacementsPulp fans are hoping the Britpop legends will be performing at Worthy Farm (Getty Images)

It's already been reported that the Britpop legends, fronted by Jarvis Cocker, will be playing a secret set at the Woodsies stage – which is the new name given to what was previously called the John Peel Stage.

Pulp, who hail from Sheffield like the Arctic Monkeys, are reportedly scheduled to play an hour-long show from 6pm on Saturday, but fans are hoping the reunited band get bumped up to the Pyramid Stage if Turner fails to recover from laryngitis in time.

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On the other end of the pop spectrum, Harry Styles is being touted as another possible replacement if the Arctic Monkeys are forced to pull out of headlining.

The Watermelon Sugar singer, 29, is currently on what seems like a never-ending tour but his diary is wide open on Friday, causing some fans to suspect the former One Direction hitmaker could be ready to make his Glastonbury debut.

Other acts been thrown into the mix when it comes to possible Arctic Monkeys replacements include The Foo Fighters, The Chemical Brothers and Britney Spears.

However, some fans suspect many are getting themselves worked up over nothing and Turner and his bandmates will be on the famous stage on Friday night.

Arctic Monkeys Glastonbury set in doubt as fans predict possible replacementsHarry has a well-timed break in his Love On Tour touring schedule that means he could play Glasto (GETTY)

"Acute laryngitis? Miraculous recovery expected by Fridays Glastonbury," one Twitter user replied to the band as they announced Dublin's gig was cancelled on Monday.

"We all know you’re saving your voice for Glastonbury - you’d reschedule if you cared at all for the fans in Dublin," another scathing fan claimed in the replies.

"I'm sure he'll perk right up for Glastonbury at the weekend," a third cynical fan mused online.

The Arctic Monkeys had been set to play Marlay Park on Tuesday night but announced the gig had been cancelled via a social media statement shared Monday afternoon.

"We are extremely sorry to announce the cancellation of Arctic Monkeys’ show at Marley Park in Dublin Tomorrow," the update read.

"Alex is suffering from acute laryngitis, and following medical advice, has been ordered to rest.

"Alex and the band apologise for the huge disappointment this will inevitably cause to all their Irish fans.

"Full refunds will be credited back to the ticket purchaser’s account by Ticketmaster within the next six working days."

As of Tuesday, no comment has been made regarding the band's Glastonbury commitments.

Zoe Delaney

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