Mushroom Music Group, founder of Australia’s Future Music Festival, has confirmed that the event is being scrapped – but that it will announce a ‘new festival concept’ later this year.
The festival, which travelled across the country to multiple locations each year, launched in 2006. It has played host to artists including The Stone Roses, New Order and The Chemical Brothers.
The 2015 edition of the festival – its tenth and final hurrah – finished weeks ago, with a headline line-up of Avicii, Drake and The Prodigy.
A statement from organisers to fans said: “We’re very sad to say that we’ve decided 2015 was the last year for Future Music Festival.
“We share the belief expressed by promoters globally: the day of the large-scale travelling festival in its current form is numbered.”
“It’s been a difficult decision to make but in the end travelling the festival in its current form across Australia simply doesn’t make financial sense anymore.
“We want to thank you all for your support over the years – we’re grateful for all the unforgettable times we’ve shared together.”
A separate B2B statement from Mushroom Group said: “We are saddened to announce their decision to discontinue Future Music Festival. Despite the considerable critical acclaim of the 2015 festival, the last two years of ticket sales for the festival have underperformed, meaning Future Music Festival will not be returning in 2016.
“Mushroom Group share the belief expressed by a number of promoters globally that the day of the large scale travelling festival in its current form is unfortunately numbered. The company will continue its focus on touring through its highly successful companies Frontier Touring, A Day On The Green and boutique music festival Sugar Mountain and the world’s largest under 18 music event Good Life.
“The Group are developing a new festival concept, which is planned for the same time period previously held by Future Music Festival.”
Mushroom Group Chairman Michael Gudinski said: “The decision to discontinue Future Music Festival was not made lightly. A point came though where it simply no longer made sense to continue.
“We believe in the festival industry in Australia and plan to announce an exciting new festival concept in the coming months.”Music Business Worldwide
