Australia: R. Kelly Tour Canceled, Stricter Rules For NSW Music Festivals, Fleetwood Mac Heading Down Under

The controversy surrounding R. Kelly in the United States has extended Down Under: promoter Big Music Tour axed the singer’s Australian and New Zealand February visit. 

The tour already faced a dilemma when first announced Dec. 24. Hours later, a social media posting from R. Kelly claimed it was a “fake tour.” Ticket sales were put on hold while Big Music resolved the issue with management. An outcry from women’s groups over the singer’s alleged sexual abuses saw New Zealand urban radio partner Flava pull out after negative feedback from listeners.

However, in the wake of the screening of the “Surviving R Kelly” series, the promoter issued a statement: “Big Music Tour can confirm contracts were in place with R Kelly and his management. We have been in discussion regarding the bizarre social media post denying the tour and had been working towards a resolution. However, given the current situation in R Kelly’s personal life and the controversy surrounding him, the promoters have decided not to move forward and are focusing on other events.”

Following a series of overdoses at music festivals in New South Wales (NW) in four months, the NSW government introduced new regulations putting the onus of safety preparation on promoters. Festivals have to now apply for a specific liquor license which will must be endorsed by a panel to include NSW Health, NSW Police, NSW Ambulance and Liquor and Gaming NSW.

Minister for Racing, Paul Toole, said, “Festival organisers will need to ensure their events meet high safety standards. Events with a poor track record and heightened risk will face greater oversight from authorities.” Full details will be released by March 1, when the rules become active. 

Immediate measures for the remainder summer festival season include chillout zones staffed with doctors, nurses and paramedics for medical emergencies, and free water stations to ensure patrons are properly hydrated.

Fleetwood Mac, whose current lineup includes New Zealand and Australian icon Neil Finn, is touring the two territories Down Under. Live Nation has them at RAC Arena in Perth Aug. 9, Brisbane Entertainment Centre (Aug. 20), Quodos Bank Arena in Sydney (Aug. 27 and 29), Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne (Sept. 2, 4), Spark Arena in Auckland (Sept. 16, 19) and Forsyth Barr Stadium in  Dunedin ( Sept. 21). Dunedin Venues chief executive Terry Davies recalls, “Their 2015 show was so popular and sold out in less than an hour.”

Last-Minute Laneway Lineup Changes 

The six-city Laneway Festival (Jan. 28 to Feb. 10) had to make some changes when Jorja Smith canceled her appearance at the Adelaide, Melbourne and Fremantle stops. Reason was she was nominated for a Grammy for best new artist and therefore had to be in Los Angeles during those dates. 

Organisers, who added Melbourne livewires The Smith Street Band in her place, posted, “We wish Jorja all the best at the Grammys and look forward to her scheduled performances in Auckland, Brisbane and Sydney, as well as a new, special headline performance at Melbourne’s Forum Theatre on Friday 1 February.”