The punk band Hang Youth says it is canceling its planned performance at Zwarte Cross because of the new controversial investor KRR. Earlier, comedian Youp van ‘t Hek decided to cancel his performance at the festival.
“We are not going to play at Zwarte Cross,” writes the Amsterdam band around frontman Abel van Gijlswijk on Instagram. Hang Youth calls KKR “involved in the genocide in Palestine” and calls on other artists and creative makers to distance themselves from organizations affiliated with KKR. “Don’t be fooled by their charm offensive.”
In early May, it was announced that investor KKR had acquired British Superstruct Entertainment, the parent company of Zwarte Cross. Festivals such as Mysteryland and Awakenings have also since fallen under the American investor. KKR has come under fire for investments in, among other things, the arms industry, fossil fuels and Israeli companies operating in the occupied West Bank.
Zwarte Cross previously responded to the takeover with the message that the festival will continue to adhere to its own identity. “No owner will ever determine who we are or what we stand for,” the organization wrote. “We have no control over KKR’s investments and distance ourselves from the unethical practices of the evil stepmother we did not choose.”
In addition to Hang Youth, Van ‘t Hek also decided to cancel his participation in the festival. The comedian was scheduled to hold a public conversation and give a sermon for non-believers.