Scots rock band pull out of festival headline slot amid pay dispute with promoters
HEADLINE BLOW Scots rock band pull out of festival headline slot amid pay dispute with promoters
THE FRATELLIS have withdrawn from performing the headline slot at a Scottish festival this summer over a pay dispute.
The Glasgow rockers were due to headline Back Doune the Rabbit Hole in August.
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Back Doune the Rabbit Hole has lost a headline act over a contract dispute
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The Fratellis have pulled out citing unfulfilled contractual obligations
Credit: Getty
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The Glasgow band was due to headline the festival in August
The musicians have said that the move followed organisers' "not fulfilling" contractual agreements to pay deposits.
Back Doune the Rabbit Hole is one of four festivals that The Fratellis have pulled out of over such monetary matters.
A statement on The Fratellis' website read: "Unfortunately, our planned Summer festival appearances at the recent Stone Valley South, and forthcoming Monument, Back Doune the Rabbit Hole and Lindisfarne Festival will not be going ahead.
"This is due to promoters of each event not fulfilling our contractual obligations to pay deposits to confirm the band's appearance.
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"Anyone who has purchased a ticket for these events should contact the agent or seller these have been purchased from for a full refund."
Organisers of Back Doune the Rabbit Hole, held at Cardross Estate, Stirling, said The Fratellis were lined up through a third-party and their withdrawal was out of their control.
The festival follows the demise of Doune the Rabbit Hole, which was mired in controversy.
The 2023 event was axed after organisers owed £800,000 to artists and crews in 2022.
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Trade union BECTU called for a boycott of the festival.
In June 2023, it was reported that Doune the Rabbit Hole was on the brink of collapse and ticket sales had been suspended following a "campaign of misinformation".
Travis frontman Fran Healy reveals how festival favourite was almost 'never written'
Bosses later announced that it was cancelled, one month before musicians and fans were due to attend.
An update from festival organisers said: "We're sorry to confirm that The Fratellis will no longer be performing at Back Doune the Rabbit Hole.
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"Their appearance was arranged through a third-party promoter, and unfortunately, due to circumstances outside of our control, the booking has not been fulfilled. Like many of you, we're incredibly disappointed by how this has unfolded.
"We know how much people were looking forward to their set, and we completely understand the frustration. We're working hard behind the scenes to secure a brilliant replacement and will be announcing your new Saturday night headliner very soon.
"Thank you for your patience and continued support. We'll have have a further update for you shortly."
The Fratellis, formed in 2005, have several other live dates coming up this summer.
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They will perform at Glastonbury Festival and Canons Marsh Ampitheatre in Bristol this month, followed by Glasgow Green on July 9.
They will also take to the stage at Slessor Gardens in Dundee on July 25.
Back Doune the Rabbit Hole will take place between August 1 and 3, with Marc Almond and The Zutons the other headliners.
Bay City Rollers, Scouting for Girls, The Feeling, Newton Faulkner, and Utah Saints will also perform.
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