Promoter apologises for Sydney De La Soul debacle

Concert promoter John Cawley has apologised for a short De La Soul show in Sydney on Friday that saw the hip-hop trio play for just 15 minutes.

The American group (pictured) arrived at the Greenwood Hotel at around 23.50 – nearly two hours late – and played three songs before the gig was shut down due to curfew. They also failed to show for two shows in Melbourne this week.

In a statement, Cawley, whose Funkdafied company sold an allocation of tickets for the PSV Touring/Red Bull Music Academy-promoted tour, says: “I am very disappointed with everything that happened at the De La Soul show tonight. It’s a terrible shame for all the fans and everyone involved that this happened.

“On behalf of PSV Touring and Red Bull Music Academy, we sincerely apologise”

“On behalf of PSV Touring and Red Bull Music Academy, we sincerely apologise for the delay [in the] presentation of De La Soul at the Greenwood Hotel in Sydney.”

All ticketholders have been offered a refund. De La Soul have not commented.

Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.