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Glastonbury fans 'disappointed' as festival unveils all male headliner line-up

Fans want to see some female headliners on the bill

Elton John performs
Sir Elton John is headlining the festival. (Reuters)

Glastonbury fans have said the festival needs to “do better” after organisers unveiled an all-male line-up of headliners.

It was already known that Sir Elton John would headline the festival in June and Arctic Monkeys and Guns N’ Roses have now been confirmed.

Although many women appear on the bill - including Lizzo, Carly Rae Jepsen and Alison Goldfrapp - critics are asking why none are in the three main slots on the Pyramid Stage.

Read more: Glastonbury 2023 line-up: Arctic Monkeys and Guns N' Roses join Sir Elton John as headliners

“We're in 2023 with SO many iconic women leading the music industry and this is what we get...” one tweeted, while another called it “so so disappointing”.

Singer Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys performs at the BRIT Awards, celebrating British pop music, at the O2 Arena in London February 19, 2014.    REUTERS/Toby Melville  (BRITAIN - Tags: ENTERTAINMENT) (BRIT-PERFORM) FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS
Arctic Monkeys have been confirmed for the event. (Reuters)

Another posted: “During Women's History Month, Glastonbury Festival announced an all-male headline bill. In 2023. Tell me why we don't need this month one more time.”

Someone else wrote: “I love @glastonbury& @ArcticMonkeysand love this line up however sad to not see @lizzo as the Friday headliner. Arctic Monkeys have headlined previously. Give amazing women like Lizzo a chance.”

They added the hashtag “#genderequality”.

GLASTONBURY, ENGLAND - JUNE 25: Emily Eavis introduces Greta Thunberg onto the Pyarmid Stage during day four of Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm, Pilton on June 25, 2022 in Glastonbury, England. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)
Emily Eavis has addressed the all male headliner line-up. (Getty Images)

“@Glastonbury do better!!!” urged one person. “All male headliners? You can’t even blame lack of talent, there is a overwhelming WEALTH of amazing women to choose from.”

“I love #Glastonbury in a big way; Elton and Arctic Monkeys have special places in my musical make-up,” said another fan.

“But having three all-white, all-male headliners is SO far from leading by example. Yes there's diversity on the bill, but that trio topping the (literal) Pyramid is such a shame.”

Organiser Emily Eavis has addressed the issue in an interview in The Guardian, citing an industry “pipeline” problem.

Revellers dance as Diana Ross headlines the Pyramid stage at Worthy Farm in Somerset during the Glastonbury Festival in Britain, June 26, 2022. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
Male artists will headline on the Pyramid Stage. (Reuters)

She also said Guns N’ Roses had been booked after a female performer had to pull out and that two women should be headlining in 2024.

Eavis also said she was focused on “balancing our bill” and that the industry should be investing more into female artists.

“We’re trying our best so the pipeline needs to be developed,” she said.

“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.”

Read more: Glastonbury Festival organiser Emily Eavis explains ticket price rise

Yahoo has contacted Glastonbury for comment.

Glastonbury festival takes place at Worthy Farm in Pilton in Somerset from 21 to 25 June this year.

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