Jack White is set to replace Øyafestivalen headliners Queens of the Stone Age after the band confirmed the cancellation of their European tour.
Josh Homme confirmed the cancellation of a European run of dates for Queens of the Stone Age and remains under “medical care”. It was later reported he required “emergency surgery” back in the United States. One of the dates cancelled due to the medical emergency was their headline slot at Øya, which Jack White has since filled.
A statement from the band read: “Due to continued medical care, it is under doctors’ orders that Josh Homme remain in their care in the United States. The following QOTSA festival performances have been cancelled. The Homme family and QOTSA are so grateful for the outpouring of well wishes and kind understanding during this time.”
White, who released a surprise record, No Name, last week, will perform on Friday (August 9) in the headline slot. The White Stripes alumni joins fellow headliners PJ Harvey and Pulp (August 7), Janelle Monáe (August 8) and Gabrielle (August 10) in a stacked Øya lineup.
Air has also been drafted to replace The Smile after the latter confirmed their tour cancellation. The cancellation, confirmed earlier this month by the band, cited guitarist Jonny Greenwood’s treatment for a serious infection as the reason for pulling out of the festival.
A statement confirmed: “A few days ago, Jonny became seriously ill from an infection that needed emergency hospital treatment, some of it in intensive care. Mercifully he is now out of danger and will soon return home.
We have been instructed by the medical team in charge of Jonny’s care to cancel all engagements until he has had time to make a full recovery. To that end, The Smile tour of Europe in August is cancelled.
Refunds for headline shows will be available from your ticket provider and the list of cancelled dates is on the W.A.S.T.E. schedule here. We all wish Jonny a speedy recovery.”
Air, comprised of Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoît Dunckel, will play their hit album Moon Safari in full at the festival.
Fewer than 1000 day tickets remain available for Øya on Friday and just 400 for Saturday, while week passes are now sold out. Remaining tickets are available HERE.
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