A quick sorry, and Pulp’s back onstage.
The iconic band Pulp has agreed to headline the Adelaide Festival following a formal apology to Palestinian-Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah.
The festival’s new board retracted its prior decision to exclude Abdel-Fattah from its Writers’ Week over her commentary on Israel, an act that had triggered a mass boycott by authors and musicians alike.
Pulp, who had vowed to withdraw in protest of what they called the “silencing of voices,” confirmed they will now perform a free opening-night concert, stating the organisers are now “acting in good faith.”
While Abdel-Fattah accepted the apology, the move drew criticism from local Jewish community leaders, highlighting the deep divisions the incident has exposed.
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The resolution underscores the potent influence of cultural figures in championing free speech, turning a festival stage into a platform for reconciliation.
With a year like theirs, from new album to secret Glastonbury act, the on-the-ground excitement for this show is palpable.
