August 6, 2001 13:42

UNKLE CAN'T 'BE THERE'

The collective are forced to cancel their T On The Fringe show after missing their flight from London...

UNKLE were forced to pull out of their headlining slot on the opening night of T ON THE FRINGE in EDINBURGH on Friday (August 3) after missing their flight from LONDON.

James Lavelle's electronic outfit were scheduled to play the opening night party of the 21-gig event at the city's Liquid Room, but were unable to secure a replacement flight to get them to the venue on time. Refunds were offered, however many people stayed to watch unsigned Scots support act Police Chief, who carried on with their set, and stayed on for the club night.

A spokesperson for T On The Fringe organisers DF Concerts said: "We are deeply disappointed that despite trying everything to get them to Edinburgh in time for the show, it proved impossible. It was one of those unfortunate incidents but Police Chief and the DJs did a fantastic job of keeping the packed-out venue entertained and in the end it turned out to be a great night out, free of charge."

There are no plans to reschedule the show. The first major concert of the festival was The Dirty Three at Liquid Room last night (August 5), with Frank Black & The Catholics following tonight at the same venue.

In other news, Mercury Music Prize nominees Turin Brakes' gig at Liquid Room which was scheduled for Wednesday (August 8) has been put back until the 16th, due to commitments recording Top Of The Pops.