British indie band Pulp have confirmed they will perform at the Adelaide festival on 27 February, reversing an earlier decision to boycott the event. The band pulled out in protest at the cancellation of Palestinian writer Randa Abdel-Fattah from Adelaide writers' week, but announced on Thursday night they would honour their invitation after festival organisers apologised and invited her to speak next year.
Abdel-Fattah was barred from the writers' week due to 'cultural sensitivity' following the Bondi terror attack, prompting dozens of speakers to boycott. The festival board responsible has mostly stood down and been replaced, and the writers' week was scrapped. Abdel-Fattah has been invited to appear at the 2027 event.
In a statement, Pulp said they were 'appalled' by the board's decision and refused to condone the 'silencing of voices'. They noted that festival programmers are now acting in good faith, with a full apology accepted by Abdel-Fattah. The band expressed hope that their free concert would bring communities together in peace.
Lead singer Jarvis Cocker said on Instagram that the band had initially pulled out due to the 'dreadful situation', but were now happy to perform. He described the concert as a free event open to anyone who respects freedom of speech, adding, 'It will also be fun.'
