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BookMyShow lodges complaint over Coldplay resale

Indian ticketing giant and promoter BookMyShow (BMS) says it may cancel tickets sold on the black market for Coldplay’s upcoming Mumbai run.

The British band are bringing their Music of the Spheres Tour to the city’s DY Patil Sports Stadium for three sold out nights in January 2025. However, police are investigating an alleged touting scam in relation to the shows after tickets – priced between 2,500 rupees (€27) to 12,000 rupees (€129) – quickly reappeared on secondary ticketing platforms at huge mark-ups.

Lawyer Amit Vyas subsequently filed a criminal complaint against BMS and others, accusing the company of colluding with resale sites to scalp tickets, while Mumbai police’s Economic Offences Wing reportedly questioned an executive from BMS’ parent firm Big Tree Entertainment as part of a preliminary inquiry.

BMS denies any wrongdoing, maintaining its opposition to illegal ticketing practices, and says it has lodged a formal First Information Report (FIR) – a written document prepared by police when they receive information about a criminal offence.

“This action follows our initial complaint filed proactively with the Mumbai Police on September 23, 2024, addressing these concerns much before any formal complaint was raised against us,” a spokesperson for the firm tells IQ. “BookMyShow’s FIR filed with the Mumbai police also urges authorities to investigate the unauthorised resale of tickets by individuals and platforms

“We have provided details of all resellers that have come to our attention, including independent individuals reselling tickets for this tour across social media platforms such as Instagram, WhatsApp and beyond, as also digital platforms such as Viagogo, StubHub Holdings and more, to aid authorities in a thorough investigation.

“We remain vigilant in monitoring such instances of ticket reselling for this tour through black market channels and will continue to share all relevant information with the authorities to ensure appropriate action is taken. BookMyShow is assessing potential cancellation of such tickets that are being sold unethically.”

“BookMyShow vehemently condemns and opposes ticket reselling which is deemed illegal and is punishable by law in India”

Viagogo has also insisted it is not working with the Mumbai-headquartered firm, which says that “emotions ran high” after 13 million people attempted to buy tickets for the Coldplay gigs, which sold out within minutes of going on sale last month.

“Our stance remains clear and unchanged – BookMyShow vehemently condemns and opposes ticket reselling which is deemed illegal and is punishable by law in India,” the BMS statement adds. “BookMyShow has no association with any such unauthorised ticket selling/reselling platforms and/or any third party individuals/platforms for the purpose of reselling Coldplay’s Music Of The Spheres World Tour 2025 in India.

“We are working closely with the police and regulatory authorities, to provide complete support and cooperation in the investigation of this matter in any manner that may be required right from the start. Our authorised representatives and senior management have been available whenever required by the authorities, ensuring full transparency in sharing all necessary information with the EOW (Economic Offences Wing).”

The company also dismisses rumours that had circulated online suggesting the concerts would be cancelled, asserting they are “proceeding as planned”.

“Reports contrary to this are factually incorrect,” it continues. “As the promoter and official ticketing platform bringing Coldplay to India, we at BookMyShow have worked hard to ensure every fan had a fair chance to secure tickets, by pricing them affordably as also capping purchase at four tickets per user across all shows, providing clear, step-by-step booking guides and maintaining transparent communication through all our official channels.

“We remain committed to ensuring a fair and genuine experience for all our consumers.”

 


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Lauryn Hill sued by Fugees bandmate over axed tour

Lauryn Hill is being sued for fraud and breach of contract by Fugees bandmate Pras Michel in relation to the group’s cancelled 2023/24 tour dates.

The Fugees’ 2024 North American outing was set to feature Hill, Michel and Wyclef Jean, but was axed in August, with the singer blaming “sensationalism and clickbait headlines” for hurting ticket sales. Hill had previously curtailed the second half of their 2023 run, citing “vocal strain”.

Michel’s lawsuit – filed this week in the Southern District of New York – says last year’s tour was on track to be “a huge commercial success, since most of shows for the entire arena size tour were sold out in advance”.

However, the suit, which Hill has blasted as “baseless” and “full of false claims and unwarranted attacks”, alleges the vocalist mismanaged the budget to the extent that it became “so bloated with unnecessary and, most likely fictitious, expenses, that it seemed designed to lose money”.

Accusing Hill of “arrogance” and “narcissistic tendencies”, it claims she “was taking 40% of the tour guarantees and tour net profits ‘off the top’ for herself, leaving the remaining 60% to be split equally between Hill, Pras and Wyclef”.

“This action will be aggressively defended and defeated”

The filing further alleges that Hill “unilaterally rejected” a $5 million offer for the trio to perform at this year’s Coachella without informing her bandmates, since “her ego was bruised” that No Doubt would receive top billing.

Michel, 51, was convicted of illegal lobbying last year following a trial at the US District Court in Washington.

In a statement to Variety, which obtained the lawsuit, Hill’s attorney Howard King said: “It is particularly disappointing that the suit fails to reveal that Pras was grossly over advanced for the last tour to help him pay his mounting legal bills. His failure to show appreciation for the financial help Ms. Hill has afforded him in his time of need is disappointing. This action will be aggressively defended and defeated.”

Michel will not be joining Hill and Jean on the Fugees’ imminent European arena tour, which is due to begin later this month.

 


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CAA sues Range Media, alleges theft of information

Creative Artists Agency (CAA) is suing management company Range Media Partners in the US, accusing the firm of stealing confidential information.

The explosive lawsuit, filed in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles, describes Range, which works with talent such as Jack Harlow, Rita Ora, Shaboozey, Pentatonix, Saweetie and PartyNextDoor, as “an unlicensed talent agency built on deceit”.

It alleges that Range’s founder – former CAA agent Peter Micelli – sought a “shortcut to success” by finding “four highly-paid CAA leaders to act as his accomplices” in the run-up to launching Range in 2020.  CAA identifies Range co-founders Jack Whigham, David Bugliari, Michael Cooper and Mick Sullivan as the alleged “accomplices” who “carried out a scheme designed to give Range an unlawful competitive edge”.

It accuses the agents of “posing as loyal CAA members, sitting shoulder to shoulder in confidential CAA meetings about clients and business, all while covertly working to benefit Range and themselves, and to harm CAA”.

“Range’s founders publicly announced its launch in August 2020,” reads the filing. “However, in truth, by August 2020, Micelli and the accomplices had spent months stealing confidential information from CAA for Range’s benefit.”

The complaint, which demands a jury trial, continues: “Specifically, Micelli and the accomplices sought to benefit Range by breaching their obligations to CAA and causing other CAA employees to do the same. The accomplices, working in concert with Micelli, induced other CAA employees – who the Range founders knew were bound by confidentiality and loyalty obligations to CAA – to assist in stealing CAA’s confidential information.

“CAA will fiercely protect the agency against improper market conduct and the misuse of its confidential information”

“The Range founders understood they were engaging in misconduct and tried to cover their tracks to avoid getting caught: urging more junior CAA employees to download encrypted messaging apps to avoid CAA detecting their communications, and directing CAA employees to export confidential information for delivery to certain of the accomplices’ personal email accounts and cellphones. The accomplices did all this while still working as senior CAA leaders and talent agents.”

Furthermore, CAA claims the company’s business model is “the pursuit of unlawful profit through deception” by not registering as an agency to circumvent the WGA Code of Conduct.

“Range skirts rules that California legislators and artists’ guilds put in place to protect those working in the entertainment industry,” adds the lawsuit. “The core ‘trick’ of Range is that it acts as a talent agency but labels itself a management company,” it says. “Range thereby engages in lucrative transactions foreclosed to law-abiding talent agencies.”

In a statement to IQ, CAA counsel Elena Baca of Paul Hastings LLP adds: “CAA is prepared to prove that Range Media was formed through dishonest conduct and, as reflected in other public, pending legal proceedings about Range’s failure to comply with arbitration subpoenas, has concealed evidence of its founders’ actions.

“Peter Micelli, along with his accomplices who were at CAA while founding Range, conducted a lengthy scheme to enrich themselves in ways that violated their contracts and legal obligations to CAA, talent guild regulations, and ethical boundaries, as CAA will demonstrate in court. CAA will fiercely protect the agency against improper market conduct and the misuse of its confidential information.”

IQ has approached Range Media for comment.

 


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Indian police probe alleged Coldplay ticket scam

Police in India are investigating an alleged ticket touting scam relating to Coldplay’s forthcoming concerts in Mumbai.

The British band will perform their first full-length gigs in the country since 2016’s Global Citizen Festival when their Music of the Spheres Tour stops at Mumbai’s DY Patil Sports Stadium on 18, 19 & 21 January next year.

Indian ticketing giant BookMyShow (BMS) said 13 million people attempted to buy tickets for the gigs, which sold out within minutes of going on sale last month. However, tickets, which were priced between 2,500 rupees (€27) to 12,000 rupees (€129), quickly reappeared on secondary ticketing platforms at huge mark-ups – leading to a public outcry.

Lawyer Amit Vyas filed a criminal complaint against BMS and others, accusing the company of colluding with resale sites to scalp tickets on the black market.

“The sale of the concert tickets was controlled by BookMyShow in such a manner that the genuine customers… were intentionally logged out of the platform seconds before… the time when the tickets went live, or were not allowed to access the platform to buy tickets for the concert,” reads the allegation.

“However, simultaneously, the tickets were made available to Viagogo in bulk, which started black-marketing these tickets at very high prices.”

BMS has denied the claim, saying: “BookMyShow has no association with any such unauthorised ticket selling/reselling platforms including but not limited to Viagogo and Gigsberg or third-party individuals for the purpose of reselling Coldplay’s Music Of The Spheres World Tour 2025 in India.

“Scalping and black marketing of tickets is strictly condemned and punishable by law in India and BookMyShow vehemently opposes this practice”

“Scalping and black marketing of tickets is strictly condemned and punishable by law in India and BookMyShow vehemently opposes this practice,” it continues. “We have not only filed a complaint with the police authorities but are also proactively working with them to provide complete support in the investigation of this matter in any manner that may be required.”

Viagogo has also rejected accusations of collusion, with a spokesperson telling the Indian Express: “Viagogo is not working with BookMyShow. Tickets listed on Viagogo come from a range of sources, including multinational event organisers, corporate ticket holders, season ticket holders, sponsors and fans who simply can no longer attend an event.”

According to local media reports, Mumbai police’s Economic Offences Wing questioned an executive from BMS’ parent firm Big Tree Entertainment about the case for several hours yesterday (30 September) as part of its preliminary inquiry.

India was one of a number of new territories – alongside Hong Kong, UAE and South Korea – to be added to the all-conquering Music Of The Spheres World Tour after ticket sales for the epic trek sailed past 10 million.

Launched in March 2022, the run was recently confirmed by Billboard Boxscore to have grossed more than $1 billion and is already the biggest rock tour of all time. Coldplay, who are represented by Wasserman Music’s Marty Diamond and Larry Webman in North America and WME’s Josh Javor for the rest of the world, will also play 10 nights at London’s Wembley Stadium next summer – a record for a single tour.

The band have pledged that 10% of proceeds from the 2025 UK dates, which also include two nights at Hull’s Craven Park Stadium, will be donated to the Music Venue Trust.

 


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Fake Imagine Dragons agent scams venue for $250k

A venue in the US has been conned out of $250,000 (€225,000) by a fraudster posing as an agent for Imagine Dragons.

The Town Toyota Center (TTC) in Wenatchee, Washington State, was introduced by its longtime booking agency, Los Angeles-based Harmony Artists, to an agent claiming to be James Whitting from Wasserman Music, Imagine Dragons’ live representative.

The publicly-funded 4,300-cap multi-purpose arena, which has previously hosted acts such as Backstreet Boys, Kelly Clarkson and BB King, paid the advance via wire transfer on 23 August this year, with the understanding it was reserving the band for a show on 21 June 2025.

“About three weeks later, the TTC discovered that the person claiming to be James Whitting was an impersonator,” says a statement from the venue’s GM Mark Miller. “It promptly contacted its booking agent, bank and its own insurance provider, with Harmony Artists currently working with its insurance company to reimburse the TTC.

“At present, the TTC anticipates full reimbursement from its booking agent.”

The American group have a concert booked at Stadium Diego Armando Maradona in Naples, Italy, on the date in question as part of their 2025 European stadium tour.

“We are not only working to recover funds, but also analysing what actions and precautions can be taken on our end”

“We are fully aware of the gravity of the recent events that were determined to be concert fraud, and that as the community’s building these events need to be addressed and reviewed,” reads a further statement from the TTC. “This is not an issue that we are taking lightly, and we are not only working to recover funds, but also analysing what actions and precautions can be taken on our end to hopefully prevent this from happening again in the future.

“With that being said, there will be no further public comment on the situation at hand due to ongoing investigations and potential litigation.”

Imagine Dragons are represented worldwide by Whitting and Corrie Martin at Wasserman, which has not commented on the story.

IQ reported last month that scammers had been masquerading as CAA agents, claiming to be booking tours for Justin Timberlake and Justin Bieber, with messages sent by fraudsters from multiple random email addresses.

Back in 2018 meanwhile, the UK’s Entertainment Agents’ Association issued a checklist for promoters following a sharp increase in the number of bogus emails purporting to come from leading booking agents.

If unsure of an agent’s identity, the association encourages promoters to adopt the following steps:

1. Check the email address is correct – in particular the email domain – and if in any doubt call the agency to confirm it. Do not use the telephone number on the email
2. Check the artist’s website for any conflicting touring plans
3. Make sure you have full contact details of the agent with which you are working and speak to them on the phone at least once
4. Before sending a deposit, call the agency to confirm the booking and check their account details
5. Check with promoters in other markets to verify the artist is touring in that region at that time
6. If an offer is accepted and seems too good to be true, it probably is

 


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IQ 130 out now: Adele, Rock in Rio, Green Guardians

IQ 130, the latest issue of the international live music industry’s favourite magazine, is available to read online now.

In our bumper September edition, Adam Woods goes behind the scenes of Adele’s historic Munich residency while Gordon Masson talks to the team behind Rock in Rio as the iconic event turns 40.

Elsewhere, ROSTR and IQ analyse the lineups and bookings of 50 top European festivals and the Green Guardians 2024 list is revealed.

This issue also delves into the live music markets in Ireland and Singapore and notes some of the best innovations that debuted during the festival season.

To wrap up the season, Roskilde’s Signe Lopdrup and Isle of Wight’s Caroline Giddings discuss the triumphs and tribulations of their 2024 events.

For this edition’s columns, Pax Nindi champions change in festival production and Pascal Van De Velde outlines Gent Jazz Festival’s transformation.

A selection of magazine content will appear online in the next four weeks but to ensure your fix of essential live music industry features, opinion and analysis, click here to subscribe to IQ – or check out what you’re missing out on with the limited preview below:

 

 


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Red Light, Q Prime back NITO resale complaint

The National Independent Talent Organization (NITO) has filed a complaint with the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC), alleging widespread violations of the BOTS Act by ticket resellers.

The advocacy group, whose complaint is backed by dozens of signatories including Red Light Management, Q Prime, Arrival Artists, Ground Control Touring, Mint Talent Group and Paladin Artists, represents the interests of independent music booking agencies and managers in the United States.

Its filing sets out how multiple technology companies provide tools that enable touts to circumvent ticket purchasing limits, including sophisticated browser extensions, proxy services, and virtual credit card platforms designed to bypass security measures implemented by primary ticket sellers.

“NITO requests that the FTC investigate the widespread sale of technology used to violate the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act,” says a letter from NITO addressed to FTC chair Lina Khan. “Our organisation recently attended the World Ticket Conference organised by the National Association of Ticket Brokers (NATB). At this event, we observed a sold-out exhibition hall filled with vendors selling and marketing products designed to bypass security measures for ticket purchases, in direct violation of the BOTS Act.

“Artists, promoters, venues, and primary ticketing systems set ticket purchase limits to increase accessibility and protect fans from large-scale resale for profit, especially for high-demand concerts. The BOTS Act aims to prevent the use of technology that circumvents these ticket purchase restrictions and to protect consumers from price gouging on the secondary market.

“However, despite these efforts, purchase limits are routinely bypassed. Our research shows that for a single concert, thousands of tickets often end up on secondary sites at an average markup of twice the original face value.”

“By implementing these recommendations, rights holders and the FTC can take significant steps towards curbing BOTS Act violations”

It adds that the prevalence of such technologies at major industry events indicates that many ticket brokers may be violating federal law by using these technologies.

“Multiple solutions exist for those seeking to bypass purchase limits, and most were being marketed and sold at the NATB Conference,” NITO continues. “We urge the FTC to investigate the practices and companies detailed.”

The letter was also shared with members of Congress, other Federal and State entities and the trade group’s partners in the Fix The Tix Coalition.

The complaint from NITO president Jack Randall and MD Nathaniel Marro concludes with actionable recommendations for rights holders and the Federal Trade Commission to combat these practices, including increased enforcement, legislative updates, and enhanced cooperation between stakeholders in the ticketing industry.

“By implementing these recommendations, rights holders and the FTC can take significant steps towards curbing BOTS Act violations and ensuring fairer access to event tickets for consumers,” it adds.

Other member companies to back the filing include Magnus Artists, Crossover Touring, Artisan Agency, New Frontier Touring, Ted Kurland Agency and Northstar Artists.

The BOTS Act was signed into law by then US president Barack Obama in 2016.

 


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ESNS reveals first wave of speakers for 2025

ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) has unveiled the first keynote and featured speakers for the 2025 edition, taking place between 15–18 January in Groningen, the Netherlands.

Sumit Bothra (SB3 Artist Management), Seth Dodson (Pitchfork), Jess Iszatt (BBC), Katie Melua (artist) and Victoria Oakley (IFPI) are among the first confirmed speakers for the European showcase festival and conference.

Other confirmed speakers include tastemakers from Dekmantel, EMMA, Wasserman Music, and many more.

In 2025, the programme focuses on topics such as the impact of AI on the music industry, the future of streaming, achieving sustainability goals for festivals by 2030, the fairness of dynamic pricing, activism among artists and festivals, the effect of private equity on business, and the devastating impact of rising costs and lack of personnel in the live music industry.

In her keynote speech at the ESNS Conference, Victoria Oakley (IFPI) will discuss the main challenges the recording industry will face in the upcoming years.

Katie Melua and her manager Sumit Bothra will discuss strategies for balancing parenthood and music industry career demands

Talking about the challenges and strategies for balancing parenthood and music industry career demands, singer and songwriter Katie Melua and her manager Sumit Bothra (SB3 Artist Management) will engage in a conversation with moderator and psychologist Anne Löhr from Music Industry Therapist Collective.

Other featured speakers taking the stage at ESNS 2025 include agent at Wasserman Music Clementine Bunel; Pitchfork’s executive director of festivals and events Seth Dodson; CEO and co-founder of Copyright Delta Daan Archer, who specialises in safeguarding music in new digital, virtual and AI-driven worlds; Radio 1’s flagship BBC Introducing show host Jess Iszatt; music programmer at events company and record label Dekmantel Elisa Luengo; innovator, social change activist, podcast host, and artist Saskhia Menendez.

Also featured on the conference programme is music editor at The Independent Roisin O’Connor; founder and CEO of hybrid virtual conference, bootcamp, and workshop Measures of Music Christine Osazuwa; executive director of the European Music Managers Alliance (EMMA) Jess Partridge; president of Music Managers Forum’s US chapter and International Music Managers Forum advisory board member Neeta Ragoowansi (MMF-US & IMMF); Dave Webster, the head of international at UK’s Musicians’ Union, addressing touring post-Brexit; and Kees van Weijen (Hit4us, IMPALA, STOMP), who will address challenges for the independent music community in creating a level playing field.

The first artists showcasing at ESNS and more panels and speakers will be announced in the coming weeks. ESNS recently announced a new Open Call for ESNS25 and its Focus on Italy.

The full conference programme can be found here and delegate passes can be purchased here.

 


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Irish watchdog investigates Oasis ticketing

Irish watchdog the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has opened an investigation into Ticketmaster Ireland’s handling of the sale of Oasis reunion tour tickets.

The move follows a review of more than 100 complaints received by the CCPC helpline relating to the 31 August sale. The cost of some tickets for the band’s 16-17 August 2025 dates at Dublin’s Croke Park jumped from €176 to €415.50.

“The CCPC has reviewed more than 100 contacts from consumers who are very disappointed and frustrated about their experience of buying tickets for Oasis concerts,” says CCPC chair Brian McHugh. “While companies in Ireland are allowed to respond to market demand, there are legitimate concerns over how consumers were treated and we have decided that an in-depth investigation is necessary. If we find that consumer protection laws were broken, we will take action.

“The CCPC is grateful to consumers who have taken the time to call or email our helpline to share their experiences with us as their stories have helped us develop a picture of last weekend’s events.”

A statement from Ticketmaster Ireland says: “We are committed to cooperating with the CCPC and look forward to sharing more facts about the ticket sales with them.”

The situation mirrors that in the UK, where the Competition and Markets Authority launched a formal investigation into Ticketmaster last week

The situation mirrors that in the UK, where the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched a formal investigation into Ticketmaster last week. The UK government has also announced it will be investigating dynamic ticket pricing amid the fallout, with the European Commission also set to examine the model.

A number of Irish politicians are also bidding to ban dynamic ticketing by tabling an amendment to existing legislation in the country. Unlike the UK, Ireland has outlawed the resale of tickets to large events at above face value since 2021.

“The 2021 Act protected fans from the experience of missing out on tickets and seeing those same tickets for sale on a secondary site for far more than they can afford or would be happy to pay,” said Jim O’Callaghan TD. “It now must be extended so we can protect fans from the experience of seeing ‘in demand’ tickets jumping significantly above the asking price that was initially advertised.”

Oasis, who are reuniting for their first shows since 2009, broke their silence on the ticketing row last week, denying knowledge that dynamic pricing would be utilised for the tour.

“It needs to be made clear that Oasis leave decisions on ticketing and pricing entirely to their promoters and management, and at no time had any awareness that dynamic pricing was going to be used,” they said in a statement. “While prior meetings between promoters, Ticketmaster and the band’s management resulted in a positive ticket sale strategy, which would be a fair experience for fans, including dynamic ticketing to help keep general ticket prices down as well as reduce touting, the execution of the plan failed to meet expectations.

“All parties involved did their utmost to deliver the best possible fan experience, but due to the unprecedented demand this became impossible to achieve.”

 


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The 1975 hit back at Good Vibes Festival lawsuit

The 1975 have responded to a lawsuit filed against the band by the promoter of Malaysia’s Good Vibes Festival.

The £1.9 million (€2.25m) suit was filed in the UK’s High Court by Future Sound Asia (FSA) over costs relating to the government-ordered cancellation of last year’s event.

Organisers are suing the British band over a violation of performance rules, having pulled the plug on their headline set after The 1975’s frontman Matty Healy criticised the country’s strict anti-LGBT laws and kissed a male bandmate on stage.

In a court filing, FSA said The 1975 and its management team were aware of its rules for performers, having previously performed at the same festival in 2016, but decided to “act in a way that was intended to breach guidelines”.

It cited Healy’s “provocative speech” and “long pretend passionate embrace” with bassist Ross MacDonald, which it alleged had “the intention of causing offence and breaching the regulations”.

The band deny the same-sex kiss was a premeditated act and say they “did not know” it would cause the gig to be cancelled

However, according to Law360, the band deny the same-sex kiss was a premeditated act and say they “did not know” it would cause the gig to be cancelled. In addition, they argue the rules they are accused of breaching were, on the “face of it”, guidelines that “do not impose any obligation” on international acts and were unenforceable.

Moreover, they insist that given Healy’s history of being outspoken on LGBTQ+ matters, promoters should not have booked the band had they known their actions could lead to its licence being revoked. Hence, The 1975 reject the claim that “the revocation of the licence for Good Vibes 2023 was a foreseeable consequence of any conduct of the band members”.

The group’s defence was filed last month but has just been made public.

FSA announced the return of Good Vibes in May. However, the 2024 edition was cancelled two months later out of respect for the coronation of the king.

 


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