Two bands pull out of Coke Zero Fest - The press release

Thanks to Matt I have the official Coke Zero Fest press release:

Wednesday, 8 April 2009Coca-Cola Zero Fest 2009 is finally here this weekend. Thousands of fans are expected on Friday, 10 April at the beautiful Riversands Farm in Fourways Jo’burg, and the picturesque Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West on Monday, 13 April to enjoy a full day of high octane rock. Heavy weight artists OASIS, SNOW PATROL, PANIC AT THE DISCO, DIRTY SKIRTS, ZEBRA AND GIRAFFE, CASSETTE, FOTO NA DANS, aKING and ONE DAY REMAINS are going to give fans just what they have been waiting for-a rock spectacular with no compromise!!BIG Concerts, the organisers of Coca-Cola Zero Fest 2009, regrettably announce the cancellation of Bullet for My Valentine and The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus who were scheduled to perform at the festival this weekend. Both bands, who have concluded performance agreements with the promoter and have received payment in lieu of their performance, decided at the last minute to withdraw on their commitments to Coca-Cola Zero Fest 2009. The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus cited personnel changes, which impacted on their ability to perform at the Coca-Cola Zero fest, while Bullet for my Valentine cited studio commitments so they can complete their new studio album.BIG Concerts CEO, Attie Van Wyk said, “We are absolutely devastated by the cancellation of these two bands. Not only have they not fulfilled their agreements with us, but they have let their South African fans down in the biggest possible manner. And all at the last minute, leaving us in an unfortunate position of not being able to find suitable replacements at such short notice.”Zayd Abrahams, Coca-Cola™ Strategic Marketing Manager, said: “Coca-Cola Zero is disappointed by the withdrawal of The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and Bullet for My Valentine; we are however looking forward to the awesome performances from Oasis, Snow Patrol, and Panic! At the Disco and some of the best home brewed talent. All concert experiences that have been planned are going ahead and consumers can still expect a world-class production. “Bullet For my Valentine apologised to their fans in South Africa. Matt Tuck says: “We’re absolutely gutted to have to cancel these shows, we were proper looking forward to it, but we are really getting stuck in with writing new songs and we have a busy schedule to get everything prepared for recording the new album ‐ which we are all really excited about!”Fans have an added bonus this weekend, OASIS, SNOW PATROL and PANIC AT THE DISCO will play extended performances at Coca-Cola Zero Fest. The Fest has loads to offer this weekend - Big Sound, Bold Artists, Zero Heroes, Mist Angels, Chill Zones, Guitar Heroes and Zero Zones.