Legendary indie band Arctic Monkeys performed their long-awaited headline slot at Glastonbury on Friday night, being watched by thousands in person and on BBC iPlayer .
The rock group from Sheffield panicked fans earlier this week as it was announced that frontman Alex Turner was suffering from acute laryngitis, forcing them to cancel their Dublin gig.
Set to play at Bellahouston Park in Glasgow on Sunday, June 25, fans watched with bated breath as the group took to the Pyramid Stage - but many had questions about Alex's voice and accent.
The Mirror reports that Alex appeared on stage wearing a sharp black suit and dark sunglasses as he addressed the crowd: "Greetings Somerset," before striking up the chords of Snap Out Of It.
"The Monkeys are back on the farm… wow," he said.
But viewers soon swarmed social media with complaints about his accent, saying it was getting 'weirder and weirder'.
"I much preferred the #ArcticMonkeys prior to Alex Turner becoming American. #glastonbury2023," one user said.
Another posted: "Alex Turner has turned Arctic Monkeys from one of the greatest UK bands into a bit of a joke. The f**k is up with this ongoing accent?"
"I love the Arctic Monkeys but f**k me Alex Turner is destroying this set! Why is he singing in a stupid accent? Terrible!" another user questioned.
One disappointed fan said: "Alex Turner’s accent just gets weirder and weirder. He actually murders his own back catalogue when he performs live. Rancid karaoke."
Many fans feared that Alex and his bandmates would have to cancel their Glastonbury headline slot due to a bout of illness. It was announced on Monday, June 19 that Arctic Monkeys would not be playing their Marlay Park gig in Dublin due to the lead singer being struck down with laryngitis.
This 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.
In a statement shared on social media on Monday, the Arctic Monkeys apologised to their fans as it was announced the gig at Marlay Park wouldn't be going ahead.
"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."
But thankfully Alex seemed to have recovered in time to wow the Worthy Farm crowd.
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