'Gutted' - Artist opens up after Electric Picnic set was cancelled last minute
Footage of the crowds that gathered for Kilimanjaro and Armand Van Helden has been circulating on social media, including one of the crowd dispersing after the disappointing news was delivered.
American DJ Armand Van Helden has broken his silence after his set at Electric Picnic was cancelled at the very last minute due to crowd issues.
Armand Van Helden was moments away from starting his set on the Smirnoff stage when a decision was made to abandon the performance over the concerns. A much larger crowd that anticipated made their way to one of the venue’s smaller stages, prompting the late call from organisers.
Posting on Facebook afterwards, Van Helden said: “Gutted about the Electric Picnic Ireland set cancellation last night but the health and well being of all in attendance always comes first
“I was backstage about to come on after Kilimanjaro and the stage was closed right before his last song due to crowd safety concerns.
“Thank you for your understanding and hope to be back soon.”
Footage of the crowds that gathered for Kilimanjaro and Armand Van Helden has been circulating on social media, including one of the crowd dispersing after the disappointing news was delivered.
Festivalgoers reacted angrily on social media with one person describing the scenes as a “shambles.”
Some bemoaned the fact that Armand Van Helden had been booked for one of the smaller stages when he has drawn enormous crowds at similar festivals around the world.
One person wrote: “Well you just knew that was gonna happen,” while a second said, “you’d be snapping.”
Further comments on social media read:
“Outrageous for Armand van helden at EP - is he gonna play elsewhere over weekend ? He was always gonna get that crowd for Smirnoff...Rankin woods would of making more sense.”
“Once again @EPfestival not having the foresight to put Armand van Helden on a bigger stage. Too many people turn up for a tiny venue and the gig gets pulled. Fatboy slim at salty dog last year. Embarrassing.”