The Big Day Out has had its first casualty of the season, with The Black Keys announcing they’ll be unable to perform at any of the 2011 Big Day Out events in Australia or New Zealand, due to exhaustion.
The official word is:
“The Black Keys are sorry to announce the cancellation of the New Zealand and Australian tour including all appearances at the Big Day Out touring festival as well as a portion of the European tour in March. An arduous year of touring and promotion has drained the band and necessitated time off.
Dan and Patrick wish to thank all of you who have shown such incredible support since the release of ‘Brothers’ and have helped make the album a success.”
The replacement act will be Paul Dempsey (he of Something For Kate fame) here in Australia. Kora will be the Auckland stand-in.
The Big Day Out kicks off next week. Is Paul Dempsey an apt sub for The Black Keys? Tell us your thoughts in the comments box below.
