Richard Ashcroft has announced he has pulled out of a headline set at Tramlines Festival after being informed that the event will form part of the government’s Events Research Programme (ERP).
The news comes after Tramlines organisers confirmed last week that a full capacity crowd will attend Sheffield’s Hillsborough Park from July 23-25, without restrictions, as part of ongoing research into the return of live music.
Posting on Instagram, Ashcroft wrote: “Apologies to my fans for any disappointment but the festival was informed over 10 days ago that I wouldn’t be playing once it had become part of a government testing programme.
“I had informed my agent months ago I wouldn’t be playing concerts with restrictions, the status of the festival was one thing when I signed up for it, but, sadly was forced to become something else.”
“It must be an age thing but the words Government Experiment and Festival,” Ashcroft added alongside three laughing face emojis.
“#naturalrebel #theydontownme,” he captioned the post.
One fan questioned Ashcroft’s apparent reluctance to play a concert with restrictions when, as part of the testing, the crowd will not be required to socially distance: “Is the test part not that they will allow no restrictions to see how it goes?,” they asked.
Others welcomed Ashcrodt’s stance, claiming him “a true rock and roll star”.
Despite Ashcroft’s departure from the event, Tramlines attendees will still take in sets from the likes of The Streets and Royal Blood.
Exposed has contacted Tramlines for comment.
