(Credits: Field Day)
After multiple artists withdrew from London‘s Field Day to boycott KKR, the parent company of its owners Superstruct, the festival have released an official response.
The statement opened immediately with an apology due to the delay between the published open letter last month and their public statement on May 15th. The open letter accrued the signature of over 200 artists, such as Brian Eno, Ben UFO and Robert Del Naja of Massive Attack, and called for the London-based day festival to distance itself from the investment firm, KKR. The company has ties to the Coastal GasLink pipeline and several Israeli corporations that operate in occupied Palestinian territories.
“Since Field Day began as an independent festival in 2007,” their statement opened, “our aim has always been, simply, to give you an incredible festival experience with the very best artists from around the world.” It then details how the festival has “never compromised” on their ambitions and values, always putting on the best show possible.
It then references their partnering with Superstruct Entertainment in April 2023 as a way to secure “operational independence.” However, “Since then, as has been reported, they have been bought by KKR, of which we had no say in, which has prompted a passionate discussion.”
The statement continued: “As a high-profile event operating in a global context, our team, of course, recognises the strength of feeling of the artists involved and the fans who attend. The open letter itself says that this situation is “not the choice of Field Day” and we are sorry that some artists have chosen not to perform at this year’s festival.”
Field Day then insists the festival is “at its heart, the same as it ever was: the dedicated team who put it on, the fans who attend and the artists who bring the soundtrack from all over the world.”
Importantly, the official statement then reads: “We remain in full creative control of Field Day and our values remained unchanged.” It finishes with a direct reference to the festival-goers: “We know there will be many of you out there who are hurt and angry about this situation. We hope that this helps you to understand the position of the festival team.”
Notably, Malissa, Ariana V, Inda Flo, Calaida, Guyz, Jezebelle, ŌKAMI, Chickie, Sisu Crew and Moontalk are among those to have withdrawn from the line-up. Sisu Crew explained of their decision: “The festival has made clear that it is not going to take action against its complicity, and the SISU DJs booked to play on SISU’s stage are withdrawing their energy and putting it elsewhere.”
After the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) called for a boycott, more DJs withdrew from the line-up, including Midland, Spray, Roza Terenzi and Regularfantasy.
Field Day’s official statement is available to read in full below.
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