Glastonbury 2024: Mannequin Pussy call out BBC over “tired double standard”
During their set on Woodsies this Saturday at Glastonbury Festival, Mannequin Pussy vocalist Marisa Dabice called out the broadcaster helming the event, the BBC, for what they claim to be a “tired double standard.”
After the band played a handful of songs, Dabice and the group took a moment to address the double standard of the BBC calling them ‘Mannequin P’ during broadcasts, something they have already called out BBC Radio 6 for doing on their playlists on social media. Dabice’s comments were emphatic and resounded throughout the tent.
“I have to admit, I have a little beef with your country right now,” the Mannequin Pussy leader told the packed tent. “Out of all the countries in the world, for some reason the UK seems to have an enormous issue with our band name. BBC, I know you’re watching. I’m right here baby, and I have to say something to you.”
She continued: “Our name is not ‘Mannequin P’, it is Mannequin Pussy. I find it very interesting that you can say ‘The Buzzcocks’ on the radio, hmm, seems like a trite and tired double standard if you ask me. But I think that the real problem might just be that you’re so uncomfortable with the word, and for what reason? For what? So, I’d like to take this time to properly introduce ourselves to you. We’re Mannequin Pussy.”
In a highlight of the performance, Dabice directly addressed the large audience’s male components, including the “sexy 6 Music dads”. Introducing herself to them by her nickname ‘Missy’, she wryly addressed the gender double standards that permeate society.
Commanding everyone’s attention, she told the men in the tent: “Hi boys, I’m Missy. I know you’re sad because you don’t get the attention that you used to. So let’s give you a little bit of attention. I want all the boys, I want all the men, I want all you 6 Music dads to do exactly as I say, because I have grown very tired of it being the other way around. So boys, I want you all to scream ‘Pussy’ as loud as you possibly can, but I’m fair, I’ll go first.”
It took three attempts for the men to deliver a loud enough response, and after they did, Dabice noted how things are better and more “beautiful” when everyone is involved – inclusivity. She concluded: “Before we start this next song, and because the BBC is listening, and watching and broadcasting, it’s just a cat baby don’t be too scared, everyone together: ‘Pussy’,” she shouted. It garnered a thunderous echo before the band tore into ‘Loud Bark’ from March’s I Got Heaven.
Delving into some of the motivation behind the band’s critically acclaimed new album with Far Out, Dabice said: “Shame is the ultimate tool that oppressors use to get you to acquiesce to their desire of how you should be. If someone can make you ashamed of who you are, then ultimately, they’ve won.”
Performing elsewhere at Glastonbury today include Kasabian, Yard Act, Gossip, and tonight’s Pyramid Stage headliners, Coldplay.
Watch Dabice and Mannequin Pussy call out the BBC below.
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