Festivals under fire: DJ boycotts and outrage after KKR takeover

Festivals under fire: DJ boycotts and outrage after KKR takeover

The recent acquisition of Superstruct Entertainment by the American private equity company KKR is causing considerable unrest within the European festival world.


Superstruct, owner of more than 80 festivals in 10 countries including prominent events such as Sónar, DGTL, Mysteryland and Field Day, is facing artist boycotts and public criticism over KKR's alleged involvement in controversial investments.



Artists withdraw

More than 70 artists, including Kode9, Juliana Huxtable and the Rotterdam duo Animistic Beliefs, have announced that they will not perform at festivals owned by Superstruct. The boycott is a response to KKR's investments in companies that are active in Israeli settlements in the West Bank and in the arms industry. Artists accuse KKR of profiting from human rights violations and do not want to be associated with such practices.



Festivals take distance

In response to the criticism, several festivals have issued statements distancing themselves from KKR's investments. Amsterdam's DGTL Festival said it was "not aligned with the festival's ethical values" and stressed that it operates independently despite its ownership structure. London's Field Day Festival also said it has no influence over its parent company's investments and that it is committed to transparency and ethical accountability.



Zwarte Cross and other Dutch festivals

In the Netherlands, Zwarte Cross Festival has publicly distanced itself from the takeover by KKR. The organization emphasized that it was not involved in the takeover decision and that it will continue to follow its own course. Other Dutch festivals, such as Mysteryland and Amsterdam Open Air, have taken similar positions, emphasizing their independence and commitment to their core values.



Impact on the festival industry

The situation raises broader questions about the influence of large investment companies on the events sector. Critics fear that the involvement of companies such as KKR could lead to a loss of artistic independence and a shift in focus from cultural values ​​to profit maximization. The current boycotts and public outcry highlight the need for transparency and ethical considerations within the festival industry.


The coming months will be crucial for festivals under the Superstruct umbrella. It remains to be seen how they will deal with pressure from artists and audiences to distance themselves from controversial investments and how they can maintain their independence and ethical values ​​in an increasingly centralised industry.

Source: Photo: iStockPhoto 1181169462

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