After proudly claiming that “at least half the bands on the main stage will be foreign”, Modern Sky Festival has been rocked by the news (reported HERE yesterday) that no foreign artists will be able to perform the festival this year. We assume this is in large part to prevent the Buzzcocks from igniting the masses into frenzies of anti-capitalism!!
This reminds us (as if we were ever in danger of forgetting) that we are doing business in a very hostile environment. Indeed, much progress has been made in recent years, but it will be hard for the music industry in China to develop any sense of solidity and purpose until these kinds of mistakes are erased. The official statement is below.
海外乐队全部取消 摩登天空音乐节照常举办
2009摩登天空音乐节之前公布名单中的全部14支海外乐队，因故无法参加。主办方深感遗憾，并对观众表示诚挚歉意。
经过主办方的不懈努力，2009摩登天空音乐节时间地点不变，仍定于10月4日-7日在北京朝阳公园举办。由于海外乐队的取消，主办方决定将“主舞台”与“Myspace”两个舞台合并，定名为“主舞台＋Myspace舞台”，所缺阵容由原Myspace舞台部分艺人补上，并将重新调整演出时间及票价，已购票观众可全额退票。主办方将稍后公布详细票务及艺人信息。对于观众的支持和理解，主办方表示衷心感谢。
All international acts for the 2009 Modern Sky Festival have been cancelled.
Modern Sky regrets to announce that due to unforeseen circumstances, the 14 international acts originally scheduled to perform at the 2009 Modern Sky Festival will be unable to attend. We offer our sincerest apologies for the disappointment.
However, the organizers are determined to move forward as planned. The time and place of the festival – October 4-7 at Beijing’s Chaoyang Park – has not changed. As for the international acts who will now not be performing, Modern Sky will be setting up a “Main Stage + MySpace Stage” at the festival grounds, so that fans can still enjoy the music.
A new performance lineup and ticket prices are in the process of being adjusted; Modern Sky appreciates your patience and understanding during this time. Updated information and directions on how to refund tickets will be coming shortly.
Again, Modern Sky expresses its sincerest apologies and gratitude for your continued support