The revised Soundwave 2014 set times and maps were released last night, resolving “unacceptable” clashes and scheduling troubles from the originally released timetables.
But there was one band that was absent from the 90+ roster of artists featured on the ‘fixed’ Soundwave playing times, with promoter AJ Maddah confirming that another band had pulled out of the festival ahead of its kick-off in Brisbane this Saturday.
The Conor Oberst-fronted Desaparecidos have pulled out of the Soundwave 2014 lineup due to “an issue of personal nature,” according to Maddah who tweeted about the band’s cancellation shortly after the revised Soundwave set times were issued last night (view them if full below).
“As we are waiting on official announcement I can’t really go into it except to offer my support and love to my friend Conor at this time,” tweeted Maddah.
It’s the second time that Australian audiences have missed out on a visit from the Bright Eyes musician’s rough and raw side-project. Desaparecidos were originally part of the Harvest Festival 2013 lineup, until Maddah’s arts and music event was scrapped last November.
The band were then touted for a replacement headline tour until they were moved over to Soundwave, added to the festival bill along with Mastodon, A Day To Remember, Panic! At The Disco, and the rest of the second Soundwave lineup announcement.
Desaparecidos have had to postpone their Australian trip due to an issue of personal nature. #SW14
— AJ (@iamnotshouting) February 17, 2014
Meanwhile, another band have threatened to cancel on the festival unless Maddah alters their performance time slot, as the promoter tweeted. As part of the revised set times, Swedish band Hardcore Superstar are set to appear at 11.30am on Stage 6, but the group are none too happy with their placement on the running order.
So Hardcore Superstar have just threatened to cancel if they don't get a late spot. Being Superstars and all that.
— AJ (@iamnotshouting) February 17, 2014
Maddah’s tone suggests he isn’t too phased by Hardcore Supertar’s attempt at blackmail. After all, he already telegraphed he was “tired” of juggling the Soundwave 2014 set times to satisfy both Soundwave’s many ticket-holders and the festival’s 90+ performers.
Dear #SW14 Bands, my priority is to program the best day possible for the fans, not to participate in your pissing contests w other bands.
— AJ (@iamnotshouting) February 16, 2014
While the Soundwave 2014 lineup has lost multiple bands in recent months (Sevendust, Stone Temple Pilots, Megadeth, and Whitechapel), the bill has also grown with the addition of the five winners of the Triple J Unearthed competition, who will open the hard and heavy festival in their respective hometown.
Soundwave 2014 kicks off this weekend – with the Brisbane and Sydney legs – before hitting Melbourne and Adelaide next weekend, then closing in Perth, where the festival followed in the footsteps of Big Day Out with a last-minute venue change – moving away from the Claremont Showgrounds to Arena Joondalup following battles with Claremont Council.
A shift enabled by Future Music and Frontier Touring, who swapped their own Good Life festival with Soundwave, a swap they “felt strongly” about.
“So excited! Finally no ridiculous sound restrictions or thugs closing down stages!” enthused Maddah recently of the venue change.
Soundwave 2014 Set Times – Brisbane
View/download the Brisbane Soundwave Map here
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Soundwave 2014 Set Times – Sydney
View/download the Sydney Soundwave Map here
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Soundwave 2014 Set Times – Melbourne
View/download the Melbourne Soundwave Map here
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Soundwave 2014 Set Times – Adelaide
View/download the Adelaide Soundwave Map here
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Soundwave 2014 Set Times – Perth
View/download the Perth Soundwave Map here
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Soundwave 2014 Dates, Tickets
Saturday 22nd February – Brisbane, RNA Showgrounds
Sunday 23rd February – Sydney, Olympic Park
Friday 28th February – Melbourne, Flemington Racecourse
Saturday 1st March – Adelaide, Bonython Park
Monday 3rd March – Perth, Arena Joondalup
Tickets on sale via: soundwavefestival.com, oztix.com.au & other outlets