Pukkelpop 2013

[Semprini]

Totally get your point about NY fans wanting a refund and hope the decision to offer them has no bearing on the final outcome - probably just the pessimist in me coming out!

The reality is though that they will have been working on this from the moment they got word yesterday morning and they will also have definitely spoken to all the possible replacements by now. Who knows what's going on behind the scenes but there's so many variables to take into account when trying to sort out something like this at the last minute? It just needs one band member or even an important member of the crew to say 'no' and it's not going to happen. Let's hope something falls into place as of course there's no guarantee they will even get a replacement. Not sure what would be worse - getting someone like dUES or just shifting the bill around like V have done? Would love to know the current state of play, as in what offers they have had.

[TheNewUnion]

Sufficient detail there for me to consider it a strong rumour (setting myself up for disappointment there eh?)

[Semprini]

Really hope this comes off, would shut a few people on Facebook and Twitter up! Can't say I'm a huge Prince fan but I'd definitely go along for a look. He probably wouldn't cost too much either seeing as he's charging the Dutch 100 euros a pop to cover his expenses!

Edited August 9, 2013 by Semprini

[DDave]

Not getting ahead of myself but I've just ordered 3 gallons of purple body paint.

[truly_mangled]

Sorry people but Prince is just a big fat meh for me... Yeah I would check him out but his pretentiousness just drives me insane... Along with the Prodigy that night, the stage will be full of ego haha...

Still hoping for Blur!

[Dietediet]

Really hope this comes off, would shut a few people on Facebook and Twitter up! Can't say I'm a huge Prince fan but I'd definitely go along for a look. He probably wouldn't cost too much either seeing as he's charging the Dutch 100 euros a pop to cover his expenses!

[truly_mangled]

To be fair, that price is the clue for me that he isn't coming. He's not going to be all super exclusive in the Netherlands to then replace another headliner at a festival where half of the people are asking for Daft Punk and Netsky.

[DDave]

To me, if he's playing in front of a big festival crowd, he's going to want to be on top form hence the warm ups. He's charging 100 euros because he can. I'd pay 100 euros to see Prince.

[DDave]

If he plays the hits of course.

[Trufflehound]

Seen somebody post Mark Knopfler was free as well? What a interesting replacement would that be...

[Dietediet]

If there's a chance at having him, I'm assuming it'll be announced this evening or tomorrow morning? (with the 'warm up shows' already being on sale he must be sealed by now)

More realistically, I'm seeing Netsky getting placed in between Eels and The Prodigy, with an extended set for the latter. People who aren't convinced can get a refund (which is unique for a Belgian festival, didn't even happen when Bowie got replaced by 2 Many DJ's last minute at Rock Werchter) so they're not really obliged to find another rock act anymore. They save a lot of money, he's wanted by the crowd that has a weekend ticket, and the Netsky - Prodigy dance combo would easily sell out all the returned tickets as well.

Edited August 9, 2013 by Dietediet

[DDave]

I think a lot of people would feel very fucked over if that were to happen.

[Semprini]

Wonder how many people would have asked for a refund if the xx had of pulled out?

[DDave]

Still time yet, mate.

[HorseDonnell]

Hoping they get it sorted soon. Anything like this happened in previous years? Some pretty good acts being thrown around on here anyway, but I'd still love to see Kasabian!! (even though they aren't as big in Belgium)

[Dietediet]

Hoping they get it sorted soon. Anything like this happened in previous years?

[HorseDonnell]

Most recent one I can think of is Bowie cancelling Rock Werchter 2004 merely days in advance cause of his health problems. They brought in 2 Many DJs to close the festival instead. But to be fair, that day had a much stronger undercard with Placebo/Pixies/PJ Harvey, as compared to Eels/Skunk Anansie/Fun.

[Challfc]

Well there is a big empty space on the schedule on the app so hopefully the organisers come up with the goods,either way I'm not really too fussed,I'm going to experience the festival not just the acts that are/aren't on,plenty to keep me occupied.

Safe travels everyone,1st leg of the journey starts now,Dover bound !!!!!

[Dietediet]

I think a lot of people would feel very fucked over if that were to happen.

[DDave]

Agreed whoever they get in won't please everyone but you've got to look at who they're trying to replace. For me, it would have probably been the only time I'd get to see Neil Young. Same goes for Iron Maiden a few years back. I know time is tight but an established artist who doesn't tour much would be ideal. If they haven't even contacted Prince they've missed a massive opportunity. Think if he's replaced by someone lightweight like the Editors or the Arctic Monkeys, people will naturally be disappointed.

[Semprini]

Tool almost cancelled in 2007 but did play in the end. They were putting up messages on the screens the day before (Friday) saying the performance was in doubt as they had pulled out of another festival that day.

I think this is one of those situations where they can't really win whatever they do. There's currently a backlash on Twitter because they are offering refunds for NY but they didn't following the storm.

[DDave]

Well 'Out of Office' is on. Two weeks off with Zitpop sandwiched in the middle. Can't wait.

[TheNewUnion]

Big difference between refunding all ticket holders after the storm, and a couple of thousand day tickets though.

[Semprini]

Big difference between refunding all ticket holders after the storm, and a couple of thousand day tickets though.

Edited August 9, 2013 by Semprini

[DDave]

In short, I think they've offered a refund as they've been able to as they've not had to pay the band. I'm assuming as the storm was whilst the festival was on they'd have paid/had to pay all the band's as they couldn't have arranged any other gigs at such short notice. Plus with all the losses from the lack of food/beer sales they weren't in a position to do it.

If they get another headliner in, I'm sure the returned tickets will be bought by the new acts fans and if not then they've (Ppop) not lost anything as they've not had to pay the band.