Inaugural Rolling Green cancelled

Yesterday’s cancellation of The Black Keys’ Australian dates has led to the cancellation of the inaugural Rolling Green festival.

It was set up as a sister festival to the A Day On The Green winery series but aimed at a younger audience. The Keys were to headline the two dates – Rochford Wines in Victoria’s Yarra Valley on Sunday April 5 and Bimbadgen Winery in NSW’s Hunter Valley on Saturday April 11.

Rolling Green co-promoter Michael Newton said,“This is obviously hugely disappointing news as we knew The Black Keys were the perfect band to get the very first Rolling Green up and running and the bill with Spiderbait, Band Of Skulls and Bad//Dreems was a killer. I know there will be a lot of disappointed fans out there. We will have more news on the Rolling Green front for next season, so stand by!”

As reported in TMN yesterday, the Keys were to also headline the Friday April 3 date at Bluesfest. The Alabama Shakes will take over the Keys slot on the Mojo stage, and Paolo Nutini will appear immediately before them. One more act will be added to play on Good Friday.

Bluesfest promoter Peter Noble pointed out, “I do need to say that this close to Bluesfest, it is going to be extremely difficult to get an international artist to play, given the requirements to get visas in time, however, we are keeping all options open.”

Noble added that the Friday, Saturdayand Sunday of the festival were “fast approaching a sell-out.”

Band Of Skulls, who were opening for the Keys, will still be coming. They play Bluesfest and also the two side shows – the Corner Hotel in Melbourne on Tuesday April 7 and the Oxford Art Factory in Sydney on Thursday April 9.