US pop-punk outfit The Ataris have cancelled their appearances at the upcoming Hits and Pits Festival 2013 2.0 the band’s booker has revealed on their official Facebook page. Frontman Kristopher Roe‘s fear of flying is reportedly the cause behind the cancellation.
“The Ataris will not be performing on any dates of the Hits & Pits Festival 2.0 in Australia,” opens Ataris booker, Tom. “It’s very known amongst Ataris fans that Kristopher Roe of The Ataris has an extreme fear of flying,” he continues, explaining that a cancelled flight saw Roe staying in the US.
“On Sunday night, [Roe’s] original flight out of LAX had engine failure and needed to return to LAX- everyone was safe…I have three members of The Ataris that are in Australia right now and we’re working to get them home…Kristopher did not get on another plane to Australia,” he says.
Tom is adamant that the cancellation is not a reflection on the conduct of Hits and Pits, saying “This has nothing to do with The Hits & Pits Festival…or their staff. In fact, I’m shocked at how calm Ben Neilson has been in trying to help us resolve this situation.”
The missive finishes on a somewhat optimistic note, saying, “I realize fans are gonna be upset…but we’re not taking this lightly. Lets all get home — we’ll have our conversations — and then we’ll figure out the best way to move forward.”
Readers can check out the full statement below.
The Ataris Hits And Pits Festival 2013 2.0 Statement
re: The Ataris in Australia
I don’t particularly feel comfortable speaking for the band right now, but someones gotta say something. Point blank. The Ataris will not be performing on any dates of the Hits & Pits Festival 2.0 in Australia. I realize the rumors will start to swirl so here are the simple facts. Fact #1. It’s very known amongst Ataris fans that Kristopher Roe of The Ataris has an extreme fear of flying. Fact #2. On Sunday night, his original flight out of LAX had engine failure and needed to return to LAX- everyone was safe. Fact #3. I have three members of The Ataris that are in Australia right now and we’re working to get them home. Fact #4. Kristopher did not get on another plane to Australia.
Rumors are gonna fly, but at least above are things we can’t debate right now. Here’s the thing, and I wanted to be 100% clear, this has nothing to do with The Hits & Pits Festival… or their staff. In fact, I’m shocked at how calm Ben Neilson has been in trying to help us resolve this situation and also in regards to keeping the other three guys comfortable out there. For those that don’t know, when touring Australia you fly show to show. Hits & Pits had arranged a way where Kris and the guys could travel show to show w/o getting on planes. Just unfortunately, now it’s not happening. I realize fans are gonna be upset… but we’re not taking this lightly. Lets all get home– we’ll have our conversations– and then we’ll figure out the best way to move forward.
That’s it.
Thanks,
Tom
-the guy that books the shows
