h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

ROSKILDE FESTIVAL

1 July 2000.

NEWSLETTER 14-00

OASIS AND PET SHOP BOYS CANCEL ROSKILDE JOBS.

The accident at the Roskilde Festival on Friday 30 June which claimed eight lives has prompted OASIS and PET SHOP BOYS to cancel their shows. The two bands were scheduled to play on Saturday night and their assistants visited the festival site during the afternoon to announce that the concerts were too close in time to the accident. They felt that playing would put too much of an emotional strain on the musicians. Further the bands' two representatives felt that the security had not been improved sufficiently despite the fact that the authorities had checked them thoroughly and approved them and despite the fact that both bands have played under identical security conditions at the Roskilde Festival.
Both Oasis and Pet Shop Boys find that performing would be disrespectful to the victims and their families. In response, the Roskilde Festival pointed to the fact that the victims had looked forward to see and hear their favourite bands and that all of the other bands on the Saturday bill have chosen to go through with their concerts and dedicate them to the dead and show their respect this way.

By refusing to play for their fans in Roskilde the festival management feel that the bands are actually causing the fans more of a risk as they will now seek out the other smaller stages.

Thus the two sides (Oasis and Pet Shop Boys on one and the Roskilde Festival on the other) disagree as to what would cause the greatest risk - going through with the concerts or cancelling - and changing the program without two of the main attractions. As mentioned the authorities have checked the security conditions and preparations and approved them.

The Roskilde Festival management are of the opinion that the bands that decide to follow through with their concerts on the existing and approved conditions show both respect and consideration to the dead, their families and the audience.

Despite a string of opposing opinions the two sides agree to communicate their sympathies and condolences to the families and friends of those killed.