Yesterday, Glastonbury Festival revealed this 12 months’s slate of headliners, plus a bit of its lineup: Elton John — taking part in what’s presupposed to be his final UK present ever — plus Arctic Monkeys, Guns N’ Roses, and Lizzo. As The Guardian notes, 52% of the 54 names on this week’s partial lineup announcement are male. The lack of feminine headliners is a “pipeline” downside, in accordance with Glastonbury co-organizer Emily Eavis, who spoke to The Guardian, whereas including that Guns N’ Roses had been booked when a beforehand confirmed feminine headliner pulled out as a result of she “changed her touring plans.” (Eavis didn’t specify who that was, although followers speculate that it’s Taylor Swift.)
Eavis additionally mentioned she stays “entirely focused on balancing our bill. It’s not just about gender, it’s about every aspect of diversity.” (46% of the 54 names are non-white, or function non-white members,” the Guardian additionally factors out.) “We’re probably one of the only big shows that’s really focused on this.” Eavis provides: “We’re trying our best so the pipeline needs to be developed. This starts way back with the record companies, radio. I can shout as loud as I like but we need to get everyone on board.”
Meanwhile, Lana Del Rey, who’s confirmed to play Glastonbury 2023 (happening June 21-25) however not listed as a headliner (although she is technically headlining the fest’s second stage), commented on Glastonbury’s Instagram: “Thanks for announcing that I was headlining the other stage. Thumbs up.” On her private Instagram, she added: “Well I’m actually headlining the 2nd stage. But since there was no consideration for announcing that. We’ll see.”
It seems like Eavis and Glastonbury are already trying to rectify the “pipeline” concern, with Eavis saying that subsequent 12 months will possible function two feminine headliners, and each of them can be first-time performers. Read the complete interview right here.