September 8, 2006 9:55

Massive Attack drop out of Canadian V Festival

US dates also go due to visa issues

Massive Attack have cancelled their scheduled appearance at the Toronto Virgin Festival this weekend (September 10).

In a statement that band say that they were not issued a US visa in time for the show. They will be replaced by Broken Social Scene.

Massive Attack issued a statement explaining their absence: “In spite of timely and coordinated efforts, the essential US immigration visas were not issued in time for the beginning of the Massive Attack North American Tour.

"Subsequently, the band has been forced to cancel the first four shows (Toronto (September 10), Montreal (11), Detroit (12) and Chicago (13). Currently, the rest of the tour remains intact. The band hopes to reschedule the cancelled shows as soon as possible."

Meanwhile festival organiser Jacob Smid apologised to ticket holders, but hoped they would be happy with the home-grown replacements at the first spin-off V Festival.

“We apologise to everyone who bought tickets expecting to see Massive Attack perform," he said, "but we know that the new line-up continues to deliver an outstanding two-day experience for the Toronto Virgin Festival. With the addition of Broken Social Scene, we’re continuing to deliver outstanding talent at incredible value.”

Organisers added that Toronto Virgin Festival ticket holders will be entitled to “front of the line” status at Massive Attack’s next Toronto set, to be announced soon. Meanwhile those festival goers who purchased tickets to specifically see Massive Attack can get a refund for their purchases at the point of purchase.

The festival is still set to feature performances from Muse, The Flaming Lips, The Strokes and The Raconteurs.