Over the weekend, veteran rap group De La Soul cancelled two Melbourne shows and were booted off stage after only 15 minutes in Sydney, with the promoter, PSV Touring, now placing the blame on them.
De La Soul hit the stage at Sydney’s Greenwood Hotel more than two hours late on the weekend and were shut down 15 minutes into their set due to the noise curfews. On Reddit, some fans alleged it was the venue’s fault for not setting up the equipment properly, amongst other issues but the promoter has defended themselves and the venue.
PSV has echoed Greenwood’s response that it was out of the promoter and the venue’s control, issuing a statement explaining the situation.
“… Whilst comments have been made that the equipment was incorrect, PSV and our production team kept to the technical rider provided by De La Soul prior to the event,” they wrote.
“Furthermore, De La Soul did not show up for their scheduled sound check that evening. That evening, drivers were waiting in the foyer of De La Soul’s hotel from 7.30pm, but the band did not set off until after 11pm and arrived 45 minutes before the hotel’s sound restrictions.”
According to PSV, De La Soul were “fully aware” of the noise curfew. They further clarified, “The Greenwood Hotel is not at fault for any of the events that occurred on Friday evening.”
As for the cancelled Melbourne shows, the statement says De La Soul failed to confirm that they would be turning up.
“The promoters contacted De La Soul on Saturday to confirm that the remaining shows would go ahead, but with no response, PSV Touring had no alternative but to advise that De La Soul would not be playing,” the statement reads.
These were not the only ill-fated shows of De La Soul’s Australian tour. They also missed their set at Return To Rio due to flight delays and poor weather conditions delayed their flight from Adelaide to Byron Bay, resulting in the cancellation of their Byron show.
Those with enquiries about refunds are being told to contact ticketing provider Moshtix.
Listen: De La Soul – ‘Pain’ (Feat. Snoop Dogg)
