As the Glastonbury festival 2023 line-up was unveiled, one name stood out from the rest: The ChurnUps. Slated to perform on the Pyramid Stage on Friday, this enigmatic act has sparked a flurry of speculation. Who could they be?
Is it a new act? Probably not, no.
Do we know who it is? Probably, yes.
Is it someone good? If it’s who everyone is speculating, yes. Absolutely.
The most popular theory is that The ChurnUps could be Pulp, the Britpop legends who recently made their live comeback. Pulp’s last-minute performance at the 1995 Glastonbury Festival is considered a pivotal moment in both their career and that of the festival in wider popular culture, and their return to the stage could be a nod to that history.
The band are playing a number of big shows and festivals this summer, which could explain why they’re making a surprise appearance – contractual obligations with other previously booked shows might be preventing an official announcement.
Surprise sets at Glastonbury aren’t a new thing. In the past, the likes of Lady Gaga, Thom Yorke and Johnny Greenwood, The Libertines, Skrillex, The Killers and even Pulp themselves have appeared. Back in 2011, that surprise show was on the Park Stage – but this is most certainly a main stage band. And really, what do you do for an encore? Glastonbury. Obviously.
Of course, there’s also a reformed Blur to keep an eye on, and numerous other TBA slots across the festival…
We’ll see if we’re right on Friday 23rd June. You can find the full Glastonbury 2023 line-up here.
