Major Aussie music festival collapses days after booker quits industry
One of Australia’s popular music festivals has called off its 2024 event, days after the booker announced his retirement from the industry.
Just two weeks after announcing its line-up, promoters for the regional touring Groovin the Moo festival confirmed the cancellation today.
“We are extremely disappointed to announce that the Groovin the Moo 2024 tour has been forced to cancel,” the statement reads.
“Ticket sales have not been sufficient to deliver a regional festival of this kind. All tickets will be refunded automatically.”
The writing seemed to be on the wall Monday, when the festival’s booker Rich Moffat announced on social media he will “step away and retire from formal booking roles / music business in 2024,” saying that it “feels time to make some space for others to take charge as curators of future events.”
The 2024 bill was stacked with big-name and emerging Australian acts like Jet, DMA’S, Alison Wonderland and The Jungle Giants, as well as international names like GZA of iconic rap outfit Wu-Tang Clan, The Kooks and Melanie C of the Spice Girls.
The line-up was only announced on January 31, while tickets went on sale on February 6. The event was scheduled to move through Newcastle, Sunshine Coast, Bendigo, Wayville, Bunbury and Canberra.
Last year’s event also featured huge acts like Fatboy Slim, Amy Shark, Ocean Alley, Denzel Curry and Ball Park Music.
Mumbrella has reached out for further comment.
It’s a shame. Always a great festival, and good economic return for local regions. Does anyone else feel like Victoria is losing it’s place as the events capital of Australia? Understand this isn’t on the same level of the cancellation of the Commonwealth Games, however you can start to see Sydney making massive inroads in horse racing. Perth attracting major UFC and WWE events etc.