Clairo has announced that she will be unable to play at this year’s Primavera Sound in Barcelona due to “logistical issues”.
The artist had been due to play the festival on Saturday June 6, sharing the bill that day with Sabrina Carpenter, HAIM, Beach House, TV On The Radio, Wet Leg and others. The Parc Del Fòrum bash will see its other days headlined by Charli XCX and Chappell Roan.
However, on Friday (May 9), the festival confirmed with a post on its Instagram Stories that Clairo will now not be appearing this year after all.
“We are deeply saddened by this news and share the fans’ frustration,” Primavera wrote. “We, too, were very much looking forward to welcoming her again at Primavera Sound Barcelona.”
They then shared a message from Clairo herself, who said: “Unfortunately, I’m not able to make it to Primavera this year and I’m so sad about it, because Primavera is iconic and returning to the fest is something I’ve been looking forward to for ages.”
She continued: “There are some logistical issues with getting my show to/from Primavera that have forced my hand here. I never want to give my fans anything but the absolute best set I can do, and that won’t be possible at this time. I’m so sorry again and I hope to be able to make it up to you sooner than later.”
Clairo is still scheduled to play at a number of festivals this summer, including Governor’s Ball in New York, BST Hyde Park in London, Hinterland in Iowa, Lollapalooza in Chicago and All Things Go in Washington and New York.
She also played at Coachella last month, where her set was introduced by Bernie Sanders, who praised her campaign work and called on her fans to “fight for social justice”.
Last year’s edition of Primavera, meanwhile, saw sets from the likes of Pulp, Lana Del Rey, The National, SZA and Troye Sivan.
In a four-star review of the festival, NME concluded: “After a weekend in its midst, it’s not hard to see why Primavera Sound is so beloved. There are few gripes to be had here, and the main one is the several agonising clashes you have to do battle with each day – a problem that can only come with having such a stacked line-up in the first place. A fun, freeing few days in Barcelona full of great music is never something to complain about, though. Roll on 2025.”
NEWS
In a major setback for the UK summer festival season, global drinks brand Pepsi has confirmed it is ending its relationship with Wireless Festival. The move comes after strong political criticism and public reaction to the festival’s decision to book American rapper Kanye West, who is now legally known as Ye, as a headliner.
The situation intensified this week after Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke out against the booking, according to reporting from The Guardian. Starmer described the decision as "deeply concerning," pointing to the artist’s past antisemitic comments and his open praise of Nazi related figures as being at odds with the values of the United Kingdom. His remarks reflect a wider position within the government that antisemitism must always be challenged firmly to protect the Jewish community and maintain public safety.
Recent releases from the rapper have added further controversy. In the previous year, he drew global criticism after putting out a song called Heil Hitler and attempting to sell products displaying swastika imagery. Although West later apologized in the Wall Street Journal and said his actions were connected to a manic episode, many critics believe his influence still presents serious concerns.
The event, which is planned for July at Finsbury Park in London, is now dealing with growing uncertainty. Aside from losing a key sponsor, there are also questions about whether West will even be able to enter the country. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has the power to refuse entry if someone is considered not beneficial to the public good. These rules allow the Home Office to refuse visas to individuals whose behavior or connections could increase social tensions or encourage hate.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has already urged officials to impose a ban on his entry, while organizations such as the Board of Deputies of British Jews have described the booking as "deeply irresponsible." With a major sponsor stepping away and increasing calls for government action, organizers of Wireless Festival now face significant challenges in keeping the event moving forward.
