ARCTIC Monkeys will take to the stage at Glastonbury after days of speculation over whether they will perform.
Festival boss Emily Eavis revealed the news – which will come as a huge relief to Glasto-goers – this morning.
3
3
There had been fears the band might not perform at Glastonbury after they pulled out of a performance in Dublin this week.
The group said in a statement on Monday: “Alex Turner is suffering from acute laryngitis, and following medical advice, has been ordered to rest.”
The cancelled gig sparked fears he may not be well enough for Glastonbury with rumours of other bands taking the prized spot.
But Emily, 43, insisted today: “He’s definitely – they’re on.”
Arctic Monkeys are due to take to the Pyramid Stage after Royal Blood at 10.15pm tonight.
Zoe Ball brought up the subject in an interview on Radio 2 this morning, saying: “Now Arctic Monkeys, we’ve all been concerned about Alex, he’s had laryngitis.
“And listeners have been messaging in asking will it happen? If it doesn’t happen, what’s the contingency plan? Someone has spotted a giant mirror ball on its way here.”
Emily replied: “That’s a very good spot.”
Zoe said: “Emily, do you know what the latest is for the band?”
Emily told her: “He’s definitely – they’re on.”
“It was a little bit close there for a minute and we were thinking about whether we should have a serious backup plan in place but no, thankfully they’re on so that is great.”
Emily earlier admitted there were a “couple” of bands who could have taken the spot if the Arctic Monkeys were forced to pull out.
She told The Times, referring to the axed Dublin gig: “I think we are going to be all right. They’ve cancelled that, he’s recovering. I’m sure we’re going to be all right.
“We’ve got a couple of back-up plans if not. We’ve always got back-up plans for everything.”
Zoe Ball is on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds
3