Major music act pulls out of two upcoming Kiwi festivals

Norwegian electronic music duo Röyksopp will be a no-show at Splore and Electric Avenue, organisers have confirmed. Photo / Getty Images

By Adam Burns of RNZ

One of the headline acts for two of the country’s biggest music festivals has been scratched from both events.

Norwegian electronic music duo Röyksopp had been slated to perform a two-hour DJ set at next month’s Splore festival at Ōrere Point.

The Grammy-nominated act comprising Svein Berge and Torbjørn Brundtland was also due to get behind the decks at Christchurch’s Electric Avenue a week later.

In a social media post, Splore organisers confirmed the pair would no longer be appearing at the festival.

“A curveball. Röyksopp can’t make it to Splore this summer. We know, that one hurts.

“But the dance floor provides.”

Veteran French house DJ François K has been confirmed as a replacement for the February 20-22 event.

Splore event director John Minty told RNZ the withdrawal was because of “logistical reasons”.

In a social media post today, Electric Avenue organisers confirmed the group would also no longer be appearing at Christchurch’s Hagley Park “due to circumstances outside of our control”.

“We’re already working on an exciting replacement and will share an update very shortly. Thanks for your understanding, and we can’t wait to see you in February.”

Splore festival organisers have confirmed next month’s event would be its last.

Electric Avenue will be held on February 27-28.

– RNZ