John Fogerty has shared a statement surrounding his removal from an upcoming music festival in regional Queensland, where he was set to play an exclusive Australian show. The former Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman was slated to perform at Country Fest Queensland in late March, marking his first show in Australia in over 12 years.
On Tuesday (February 27), organisers of the festival released a statement confirming that Fogerty would no longer be appearing at the festival on account of “unforeseen circumstances”. “We are working hard on a revised line-up, and will have more information coming soon,” it continued. In response to this, however, Fogerty took to his own social media accounts to allege that he had nothing to do with his removal from the festival line-up.
“I was ready to celebrate with you all for my one and only show this year in Australia when the Country Fest Queensland blindsided me yesterday by cancelling my appearance,” he wrote. “It was posted that I would not be appearing due to unforeseen circumstances. Well, I can tell you, my friends, I was not the reason for the ‘unforeseen circumstances’.”
He later shared a video to his Instagram account of him sitting with his dog and addressing Australian fans directly. “They say I’m not playing [the festival], but as far as I know I’m ready, willing and able to play it,” he said. “I don’t know what to say, sometimes things get complicated beyond my grasp. Anyway, I know I’ll be in Australia soon.” He then performed a solo acoustic rendition of one of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s most popular songs, ‘Bad Moon Rising’.
John Fogerty – ‘Bad Moon Rising’
Country Fest Queensland’s organisers, for their part, have offered refunds to those that no longer wish to attend on account of Fogerty’s removal. “Our ticketing partner Oztix will contact all current ticket holders via email to advise your refund options,” they wrote.
Fogerty’s departure from Country Fest Queensland is the latest in a series of unfortunate events on the Australian festival circuit in 2024. This year has already seen the cancellation of festivals such as Tent Pole and Groovin The Moo, with the latter coming just a week after going on sale.
Further Reading
A Guide to Every Australian Music Festival Happening in 2023/24
