It’s official. November’s Harvest 2013 has been cancelled by promoter AJ Maddah after previously noting that ailing ticket sales would likely lead the event to “disassociate into several tours.”
Now that’s come to pass with the new of the cancellation leading to many of the acts on the Harvest 2013 lineup – featuring Massive Attack, Goldfrapp, Franz Ferdinand, Neutral Milk Hotel, and more – to still be headed to Australia as part of a series of headline tours.
Maddah, who’s noted he’d make a loss of around $5.5 million at current ticket sales should he soldier on with the event, has blamed himself for the poor result, remarking that he “didn’t book a good enough festival. Have no one to blame but myself.”
“Ethically I can only take risks at my expense… I don’t want to add to the statistics of festivals fucking people over,” noted Maddah late last week, “I don’t want anyone else to get hurt over this.”
Maddah made the announcement official on Monday evening via his favourite method of communication – Twitter.
I am very sad to confirm that Harvest 2013 is cancelled. All tickets will be 100% refunded (incl all charges) by @oztix in the next week.
— AJ (@iamnotshouting) September 16, 2013
@bok_81 @HarvestPresents Obviously I did a poor job of booking the festival and I should be the only 1 to be punished for it.
— AJ (@iamnotshouting) September 16, 2013
@fullgut I didn't book a good enough festival. Have no one to blame but myself.
— AJ (@iamnotshouting) September 16, 2013
He also stressed that he “didn’t want harvest to end up being 1 of those festivals that leaves creditors in its wake and destroys suppliers”, alluding to recent financial difficulties relating to other festivals such as Future Music Festival, and Peats Ridge.
@bok_81 @HarvestPresents I didn't want harvest to end up being 1 of those festivals that leaves creditors in its wake and destroys suppliers
— AJ (@iamnotshouting) September 16, 2013
Maddah has already moved into negotiations to bring about a series of headline tours, but among the mix of indie, electronic, and alternative rock acts on the lineup, Maddah mentioned that a pair could find refuge in the lineup for his other flagship festival series.
Eccentric funk metal outfit Primus and muscular New Orleans band Mutemath could likely end up being part of the second Soundwave 2014 lineup, while the rest of the Harvest 2013 lineup will be presented as separate headline tours, as Maddah continues negotiations.
Another band that could be set to make an appearance at another festival is CSS, which Maddah has notimated the Big Day Out as their likely refuge.
@sailormono We're still trying to figure out what to do w CSS. Am going to ask Ken if he will have them join BDO.
— AJ (@iamnotshouting) September 16, 2013
Although the Big Day Out has been the traditional rival of Soundwave, AJ Maddah’s other festival, in an extraordinary turn of events it was revealed on Monday afternoon that Maddah had purchased a stake in his rival, with founder Ken West reportedly selling his share.
According to Maddah, full refunds will be given for every ticket purchased. Those who had purchased tickets to the festival will be given priority when tickets go on sale for the replacement headline shows.
Those who purchased harvest tickets will be given priority access to these headline shows. Please stay tuned for details.
— AJ (@iamnotshouting) September 16, 2013
Harvest 2013 Dates, Tickets
Sunday November 10: Melbourne, Werribee Park
Saturday November 16: Sydney, The Domain
Sunday November 17: Brisbane, City Botanic Gardens