Cat Stevens, Blondie and Sparks to join Elton John at Glastonbury Festival 2023
3 March 2023, 11:41 | Updated: 22 September 2023, 10:49
Glastonbury Festival's mystery lineup sets tongues wagging year after year.
As the world's biggest and best celebration of music, it's no wonder global fans (and lucky ticket holders) let the rumour mill run wild before each lineup is revealed.
Today, the first batch of major artists for the 2023 edition of Glastonbury Festival have been announced, who will join Sunday night's previously confirmed headliner Elton John at Worthy Farm in Somerset.
Headlining the Friday night at Sheffield indie rock band Arctic Monkeys, followed by US rock 'n' roll legends Guns N'Roses on the Saturday night.
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There's plenty of major names spanning various genres of popular music, but the likes of Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam) and Blondie have also been added.
Both legendary acts have been touted to perform during the now iconic Legend's Slot on Sunday afternoon, with confirmation of this to come.
Amongst the other names heading to Glastonbury are electronic sibling duo Sparks, R&B icon Candi Staton, Scottish pop band Texas, and country legends The Chicks.
Here is the first Glastonbury Festival 2023 line-up poster, which includes our final two Pyramid Stage headliners: @ArcticMonkeys (Friday) and @gunsnroses (Saturday).
— Glastonbury Festival (@glastonbury) March 3, 2023
Many more acts and attractions still to be announced. pic.twitter.com/dMnppdSf1U
Festival organiser Emily Eavis has already addressed the backlash from social media about the festival appointing all-male headliners when they've previously attempted to balance out with female acts.
"We are entirely focused on balancing our bill. It’s not just about gender, it’s about every aspect of diversity."
"It’s top of our agenda, and it probably makes it a bit harder because we’ve decided to make that important to us. To be honest, sometimes it’s easier to keep your head down" she added.
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Emily went on to say that a female headliner was previously booked but could no longer perform due as she “changed her touring plans”, which is presumed to be Taylor Swift.
Despite the lack of female headliners, there's still plenty of reason to be excited about the major names due to perform.
Talking specifically about Guns N'Roses, Emily said: "They’ll be brilliant and provide something totally different to the rest of the headliners."
Tickets for Glastonbury Festival 2023 are sold out, though there will be an opportunity to secure re-sale tickets in April.
Glastonbury Festival 2023 takes place from 21-25th June.
