THIS THAT removes Sticky Fingers from 2018 lineup

Following a tidal wave of upset from punters and industry alike, Sticky Fingers have officially been removed from the lineup of THIS THAT 2018.

The festival released an official statement this afternoon, advising of the lineup change.

“Sticky fingers agreed with THIS THAT from the start that if their inclusion began to impact negatively on the other artists performing and our Newcastle and wider communities that it would be best if they refrain from performing. That’s the decision we have both taken today,” the statement read.

The festival is offering refunds for people who purchased tickets but no longer wish to attend, with submissions closing 5pm Friday, July 6th. Click here to access the form.

A replacement for the band will accompany the festival’s final lineup announcement.

Multiple allegations of racism and violence against members of the band in recent years led to a lengthy hiatus from December 2016.

This performance would have been their first major festival appearance since the band’s comeback performance at Bad Friday festival at the end of March this year.

Sticky Fingers have also released a statement, which you can read in full here.

Read THIS THAT’s full statement below:

“After long discussions, THIS THAT and Sticky Fingers have decided the band will no longer be performing at THIS THAT on Saturday 3rd November.

Sticky Fingers agreed with THIS THAT from the start that if their inclusion began to impact negatively on the other artists performing and our Newcastle and wider communities that it would be best if they refrain from performing. That’s the decision we have both taken today.

Our decision to include Sticky Fingers on the 2018 line-up was not taken lightly as there were many serious and complex issues to consider from several perspectives, and we realised there would be debate about their suitability to be included.

While looking at all these issues in totality we made the decision to include them while also monitoring sentiment from the time of the booking.

THIS THAT’s top priority is the safety and well-being of both its artists and attendees and the festival team do not condone abuse of any kind.

THIS THAT is proud of providing a positive platform for Australian and international artists to share the stage, we take our role in the community very seriously and to those who have been upset by the inclusion of Sticky Fingers, we’re truly sorry.

Again this year we will have various strategies in place to ensure everyone is safe and welcome at THIS THAT. We will be continuing and evolving our crowd care, health and safety management systems at the festival. We also continue our integrated planning work with crowd care services, police, security and regional health services who will – like always – have a strong presence at the event.

We are for total inclusiveness and safety and are very proud of the festival’s record in regards to the welfare and safety of our attendees.

Anyone who has bought a ticket on the basis of seeing Sticky Fingers – we realise you will be disappointed and we apologise. If anyone wishes to receive a full refund, they can do so by filling in their details on this form before 5pm AEST Friday, July 6.

We are thrilled to have this year’s current lineup of artists coming to Newcastle on Saturday, November 3 including RL Grime, I, Amy Shark, The Rubens, Goldlink and SAFIA. We are aiming to announce a replacement for Sticky Fingers as soon as possible alongside our final artist announcement.

If anyone experiencing abuse needs assistance, 1800 respect – the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service — can be reached on 1800 737 732, while lifeline can be reached on 13 11 14.”