Tones And I Turned Down NRL Grand Final Due to US Macklemore Commitment, Management Says

Tones And I’s management have explained why the singer was unable to accept an offer to perform at next weekend’s NRL Grand Final. 

It was reported this week that the ARIA Award-winning songwriter would not commit to performing her hit song, "Dance Monkey," at Accor Stadium on Sunday, October 4th, which led to NRL chairman Peter V’landys deciding to redirect the fee to grassroots rugby league.

However, in a statement given to Rolling Stone AU/NZ, management for Tones and I responded to the report.

"Tones was recently approached to perform the preshow at the NRL Grand Final. An offer was presented to Tones via management on September 5th," the statement reads.

"Tones had a prior commitment with Macklemore in America and explored all avenues to make it work. Nothing was signed or confirmed in writing.

"Due to the last-minute nature and prior commitments by Tones, we were unable to accept the offer.

"We wish the NRL nothing but the very best for their event."

Management did not address the report around "Dance Monkey" being a sticking point.

Though she has not publicly addressed the matter, on Tuesday evening Tones And I took to Instagram to share pictures of a number of local artists including G Flip, Baker Boy, Miss Kannina, Budjerah, Ruel and Kaiit, writing: "Some artists that deserve opportunities. Not even scratching the [surface] of how many incredible artists we have in this country."

On Tuesday, V'landys said they will direct the $90,000 performance fee to junior rugby league.

“We believe that the entertainment is our game. It’s more the media that put themselves into a frenzy who we get as performer. But when you look at it realistically for 11 minutes, it’s not worth it. People will come to the game with or without it. We believe the money is better spent on junior rugby league.”

He continued: “I’d prefer to spend [the money] on getting 2000 or 3000 kids who couldn’t afford to play rugby league be able to play rugby league now. We’ll give it to kids who are underprivileged who can’t afford to play the game with their mates. I think that’s a better use of the money than $90,000 a minute for an artist.”

US star Teddy Swims performed at last year’s NRL final, which was widely praised. Meanwhile, this Saturday, at the AFL Grand Final, Australian icon Kylie Minogue will headline festivities for the first time ever.

A string of local talent will also perform on the day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, including G Flip, Michael Paynter and Mike Brady.

From Variety Australia