One of the major drawcards of Splendour In The Grass 2013’s 77-strong lineup is undoubtedly neo-RnB storyteller, the Grammy award-winning Frank Ocean.
Fans breathed a collective sigh of relief when the Splendour lineup was first revealed showing that Mr. Ocean’s Splendour slot would not be exclusive to the three day winter festival. Unlike Mumford & Sons, The National, and TV On The Radio – for whom Splendour will be their only Australian show – Frank Ocean was heavily tipped to play sideshows.
And yet, despite a swathe of Splendour 2013 Sideshows being announced, Frank Ocean’s name has been suspiciously missing, leading some fans worried that the 25-year-old Odd Future associate may not be extending his Byron Bay visit for his first ever Australian Tour. But now a mysterious new website and poster have hinted at plans for much-desired Splendour sideshows.
As Pedestrian.TV points out, yourenotdead.com is plastered with artwork for Frank Ocean’s current You’re Not Dead World Tour, with naught but a list of global dates linking directly to ticket purchase websites online, including Byron Bay’s Splendour In The Grass. In amongst the links, are two posts for Melbourne and Sydney – though the links don’t go anywhere as yet.
It could very well be the well-polished work of a hoax, but why then go to the effort of forming a new website and links for the sake of winding up a few (hundred) Australian Frank Ocean fans?
Further adding creedence to the website, and plans for Melbourne and Sydney sideshows, is a photo on the Channel Orange star’s own Instagram account, that features the same monochromatic car artwork as the yourenotdead.com website. The difference being that Ocean’s post leaves any and all Australian dates off of the artwork.
Anticipation for Frank Ocean’s arrival to Australia has been at fever pitch ever since the singer cancelled his appearance for Future Music Festival last year so that he could focus on promoting his major-label debut, Channel Orange. The album eventually landed Ocean two major gongs at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards, for Best Urban Contemporary Album and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.
Ocean also revealed on the red carpet, as Billboard reports, that he’s begun work on the follow-up to Channel Orange, saying he’s “knee-deep in the next record. [I’m] just taking my time with it.”
So will Melbourne and Sydney indeed be getting Splendour Sideshows from the celebrated musician? or is it simply the work of an internet troll with some photoshop skills? You can review the evidence for yourself below
Frank Ocean’s Instagram account
Frank Ocean You’re Not Dead Tour Confirmed Dates
June 27 – Tap 1 – Copenhagen, Denmark
June 28 – Bravalla Festival – Norrkoping, Sweden
July 02 – Heineken Music Hall – Amsterdam, The Netherlands
July 03 – Le Zenith – Paris, France
July 04 – Hovefestival – Arendal, Norway
July 06 – Rock Werchter – Rotselaar, Belgium
July 09 – Brixton O2 Academy – London, United Kingdom
July 10 – Brixton O2 Academy – London, United Kingdom
July 12 – Wireless Festival, Olympic Park London – London, United Kingdom
July 13 – Phoenix Park – Dublin, Ireland
July 14 – T in the Park – Kinross, United Kingdom
July 16 – Laugardalshollin – Reykjavik, Iceland
July 28 – Splendour in the Grass Festival – Byron Bay, Australia
August 03 – Osheaga Music and Arts Festival – Montreal, QC
