Goldband cancels Zwarte Cross performance due to connections with KKR Israel
Goldband has recently made headlines by canceling their appearance at the Zwarte Cross festival, organized by Superstruct Entertainment, due to the company’s ties to US hedge fund KKR. Superstruct Entertainment, owned by KKR, is a major player in the European festival scene, organizing events such as the Zwarte Cross rock festival, Milkshake, and Awakenings. KKR’s acquisition of Superstruct for a reported €1.3 billion last year has sparked controversy due to KKR’s involvement in industries like fossil fuels, weapons, and Israeli data and surveillance firms. Additionally, KKR is said to invest in businesses operating in the Occupied Territories.
Despite Superstruct’s efforts to distance itself from its American owner, a wave of cancellations has hit their events. Goldband is the latest in a series of acts to withdraw from Superstruct events, citing concerns over KKR’s investments. The band took to Instagram to express their displeasure with the ownership structure involving KKR and its investments, highlighting their commitment to speaking out against injustice and specifically mentioning the Palestinian cause and ongoing crisis in the region.
Other artists, including Youp van ‘t Hek, Claw Boys Claw, and Hang Youth, had already opted out of performing at Zwarte Cross before Goldband’s announcement. The Milkshake festival in Amsterdam’s Westerpark also saw 14 acts withdraw, forming a group called Ravers for Palestine to show solidarity with the Palestinian cause and protest against contributing to KKR’s profits.
The boycott extends beyond Dutch borders, affecting Superstruct festivals across Europe. In Spain, artists like Animistic Beliefs and Jeisson Drenth canceled their appearances at the Sónar festival, which is also owned by KKR. The protest against KKR’s investments and ties to controversial industries is resonating with artists and festival-goers alike, leading to a significant impact on Superstruct’s events.
The issue has raised questions about the responsibilities of companies like Superstruct and their relationships with their parent companies. While Superstruct has attempted to distance itself from KKR’s investments, the ongoing cancellations suggest that artists and audiences are taking a stand against associations with controversial entities. By withdrawing from these events, artists are not only expressing their values and beliefs but also demonstrating the power of collective action in holding companies accountable for their business practices.