The Herald

Drive-in gigs axed amid fears of localised Covid lockdowns

- By Elle Duffy

A DRIVE-IN gig in Edinburgh has been cancelled amid fears of local coronaviru­s lockdowns.

The Utilita Live From The Drive-in series was due to stop at 12 sites across the UK throughout August, including Edinburgh’s Royal Highland Centre.

Artists including Kaiser Chiefs and Dizzee Rascal were to perform at venues across the country.

Organisers told The Herald they have axed the gigs over fears of more localised lockdown similar to the restrictio­ns recently imposed in Leicester.

They said it was “impossible” for the series to continue “with any confidence” due to the restrictio­ns in other areas of the country.

Scottish band The Snuts released a statement last night.

“This was a decision made entirely outwith The Snuts and our team,” they wrote.

“We have poured a ridiculous amount of our own money and time into preparatio­n for these shows, trying to create something really special to bring us all together again.

“We are properly heartbroke­n to receive this news.

“The reality is that live music if the only source of income for artists, crew and all other workers essential in keeping the whole thing alive.”

A statement from the team at Live Nation reads: “We received huge support from artists, the live music production contractor­s, our headline sponsor Utilita along with our other partners, and of course you, the fans.

“However the latest developmen­ts regarding localised lockdowns mean it has become impossible for us to continue with the series with any confidence.

“We eagerly await a time when we can watch live music together again.”

 ??  ?? Kaiser Chiefs were due to perform
Kaiser Chiefs were due to perform

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom