Fan fury at Big Day Out cutbacks, Kanye West axing

Fan reaction to today's downsizing of Auckland's Big Day Out festival, including the removal of headlining act Kanye West, has been swift and harsh.

West was today removed from the line-up of the January 20 event, and organisers removed several of the venue's stages in a move called "vital" to keeping the annual Australasian event in New Zealand.

"The changes are vital for us to hold the show in Auckland," said New Zealand Big Day Out promoter Campbell Smith.

But fans took to the internet to voice their opinion, and most of them were negative.

"I'm completely baffled by the promoters for Big Day Out," said Vince Anderson on Facebook. "It's like they don't know anything about the artists they book."

"I wish all bands would just give up on the Big Day Out and play their own shows," said Andrew Zen on Twitter.

And Sam Yong said: "Big Day Out lineup has deterioriated over the years. Every year, a little more let down. Not that I'm a Kanye fan but way to disappoint, BDO."

On the official Big Day Out Facebook page, Richard Millar said the event should be moved.

"Maybe this event should be pushed out to somewhere like Pukekohe Raceway. Trains go there, parking for Africa. People might even pay a little bit extra to camp there for a night. Why not use the opportunity to totally revamp the idea and expand the festival, instead of axing big names to fit in with keeping it at Mount Smart.

" The Big Day Out has been becoming a worse experience for the seasoned festival goer for years - however we need a festival in New Zealand, whether it is the Big Day Out or something else."

Amber predicted there would be plenty of upset punters after West was removed from the line-up.

"First Odd Future, now Kanye isn't going to Big Day Out. There's gonna be some angry people out there," she said on Twitter.

Brydon Soutar agreed: "Well-known international acts will never come to New Zealand again if you keep axing them. The Big Day Out needs more Kanye."

And Niwa Whatuira said: "No Kanye. No Odd Future. No thanks."

Mike said he was too fired up about the announcement to get any work done:

"Not getting any work done, too busy being angry about the Big Day Out."

But others were more positive.

"I might actually buy a ticket now. I was put off that he was going to be playing," said Kerri-Lee Miller on Facebook.

And Gane Heslop had a suggestion bound to annoy Prime Minister John Key: "Move to Aussie. More festivals than you can shake a stick at."

The Big Day Out attracts around 40,000 punters to Mt Smart Stadium.

Next year's event will be held on January 20 and features Soundgarden, Kasabian, Royksopp, Nero and Foster the People.

- Herald online