Field Day Addresses Artist Boycott Over KKR Ownership Amid Palestine Solidarity

Field Day responds to artist boycott over KKR ownership, acknowledging the hurt and anger while affirming the festival's values and future.

Artists Boycott Field Day Festival Over KKR Ownership

Recently, news broke that 11 artists have withdrawn from this year's Field Day festival in London as part of a boycott supporting Palestine. The festival, scheduled for May 24 at Brockwell Park, is facing backlash due to its ownership ties to global investment firm KKR.

Two weeks ago, over 50 artists—including notable names like Massive Attack and Brian Eno—signed an open letter urging Field Day to cut ties with KKR, which owns Superstruct Entertainment, the company that partnered with Field Day in April 2023. The letter demanded the festival distance itself from KKR, spotlighting concerns around the ownership’s ethical implications.

Field Day’s Official Statement: Commitment to Fans and Values

In response to the boycott, Field Day released a heartfelt statement on Instagram on May 15, addressing the community’s concerns:

“Our aim has always been, simply, to give you an incredible festival experience with the very best artists from around the world. Through many challenging times, various venues and several changes of ownership, Field Day has never compromised on those ambitions and values, putting on the best show we can in the way we always have.”

The festival emphasized that partnering with Superstruct Entertainment ensured the festival's creative and operational independence, even though KKR's acquisition of Superstruct was beyond their control. They acknowledged the passionate discussions this has sparked.

“We know there will be many of you out there who are hurt and angry about this situation. We hope that this helps you understand the position of the festival team.”

Field Day expressed regret over the artists’ decisions to pull out but recognized and respected the strong feelings involved.

Artists Joining the Boycott

The boycott includes 11 artists: ex.sses, Malissa, Ariana V, inda flo, Calaida, GUYZ, Jezebelle, ŌKAMI, Chickie, izzy., and Moontalk. Additionally, Sisu Crew declared their withdrawal, stating:

“The festival has made clear that it is not going to take action against its complicity, and the SISU DJs booked to play on SISU’s stage are withdrawing their energy and putting it elsewhere.”

Boiler Room’s Stance on Palestine and Ownership

Earlier this year, Boiler Room—a platform with the same owners as Field Day—issued a statement reinforcing its “unapologetically pro-Palestine” stance despite ownership changes. They stressed that their editorial independence and commitment to Palestine have never wavered, adhering to guidelines like BDS and PACBI regarding artist programming and partnerships.

“We will always remain unapologetically pro-Palestine. We continue to adhere to BDS and PACBI guidelines regarding artist programming and brand partnerships and engage with Palestinian artists and organisers in order to formalise our internal policies in line with this commitment. We uphold international law and human rights for all, regardless of identity.”

Superstruct Entertainment and Industry Impact

Superstruct Entertainment, which took over the platform from DICE in January, manages over 80 events across the UK and Europe. Some artists, including Ikonika, Beatrice M., Mia Koden, BasicDisarm, jtamul, and 8ULENTINA, cancelled their Boiler Room performances following the ownership change.

This company is behind prominent events such as Sziget Festival, Brunch Electronik, Mighty Hoopla, and Lost Village, making their ownership and ethical standing a focal point of industry discussions.

Wrapping It Up

This boycott underscores the power artists hold in influencing festival ownership and ethics. Field Day finds itself at the crossroads of maintaining its ethos while navigating ownership realities beyond its control.

How do you think festivals should handle ownership controversies while balancing artist and fan expectations?

FAQs

• What triggered the boycott of Field Day festival?
  The boycott was sparked by concerns over Field Day's ownership ties to investment firm KKR, which many artists oppose due to ethical reasons related to Palestine solidarity.
  
• Which artists have pulled out of Field Day?
  Eleven artists, including ex.sses, Malissa, Ariana V, inda flo, Calaida, GUYZ, Jezebelle, ŌKAMI, Chickie, izzy., and Moontalk, have withdrawn from the festival.
  
• What is Field Day’s official position on the boycott?
  Field Day acknowledges the artists' and fans' feelings, apologizes for the hurt caused, and emphasizes their commitment to providing a great festival experience while explaining they had no control over KKR’s acquisition.
  
• How does Boiler Room relate to Field Day in this context?
  Boiler Room shares the same ownership as Field Day and has publicly reaffirmed its strong pro-Palestine stance despite ownership changes.
  
• Who owns Superstruct Entertainment and what is their role?
  Superstruct Entertainment owns Field Day and manages over 80 events across Europe; it was acquired by KKR, which has led to the current controversy.

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