The powerful electronic tour-de-banger that is HARD came across the entire U.S. from their L.A. base to the New York City area with a show that was supposed to be unbelievable. Taking place on Governor’s Island, the mini-festival would have acts that — on paper — would bring a crowd to applause and enjoyment. From the fantastic Sleigh Bells, to dubstep OGs Skream & Benga, all the way down to M.I.A. (whose latest shows have been heralded as shambolic), it was a pretty packed bill. But what HARD didn’t realize what kind of restless and despicable fodder would surround the event, which would be diminished and demonstratively angst-filled concert-goers, irreparable staff relations and of course, bad bookings.
| Jul | 26 |
Here at URB HQ, we’re presenting this with tears in our eyes. Following M.I.A.’s canceled HARD LA event, and the announcement of Virgin Free Fest with M.I.A. in September in Maryland, it seems like suddenly the East Coast has got us beat hands town on the festival tip.They sure do this weekend, with HARD NYC with M.I.A. going off on Governors Island on Saturday. Ticket sales have been a lot better than the LA version of the event, but there’s still some to be had at www.hardfest.com.
So we’re happy for you guys back east, really. We don’t at all hope you choke on a corndog stick while moshing to Sleigh Bells. Nope. Not at alllllllll.
Everyone knows that music festivals are big business, with tens of millions made (ticket sales, beer vending, corporate sponsorship) and lost (artist fees, production costs) every summer. But what happens when big business decides to throw it’s own festival? You get Virgin Free Fest. Run as a multi-city paid festival in 2006 and 2007, the mobile phone company’s attempt at playing with big dogs like Coachella, Lollapalooza and Bonarroo never seemed to hit it’s stride—perhaps due to it’s location in Maryland. Then last year, super rich bad-ass mofo Richard Branson decided to make the whole shebang free, and called upon Blink-182, Weezer and Jet to bring in the masses. This year, he’s banking on a cooler selection, including Thievery Corporation, M.I.A., LCD Soundsystem and Temper Trap to do the same. …MORE



























12comments