Over the past two months, Iceland’s highly-acclaimed annual festival, Secret Solstice, have blessed music fans with a power-packed lineup that features industry favorites such as the likes of DJ sensation Martin Garrix, the Black Eyed Peas, Russian protest rock group Pussy Riot, Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters, and more. However, before its June opening, it seems that the festival and its organizers have come into some PR trouble as they are reportedly being sued by legendary thrash metal band, Slayer.
According to Blabbermouth.net, Slayer is suing Solstice Productions over partial payment as they have yet to receive full compensation for their appearance at last year’s festival. As of now, Secret Solstice and its organizers still owe Slayer approximately $134,000. The band’s lawyer reached out to the city of Reykjavík reporting the issue, which is more than about owed money, as organizers have also kept 20 percent of the band’s income in order to “pay withholding tax to the tax authorities”.
Slayer aren’t the only artist that are having discrepancies with the festival’s organizing team. Local Icelandic media have reported that even workers and companies involved with Solstice Productions have had their work go unpaid. Moreover, Iceland feminist rap group, REYKJAVÍKURDÆTUR, have also come forth with similar claims to that of Slayer’s.
For now, the city of Reykjavík are currently reviewing the matter and it is slated to be in the city council’s meeting agenda next week. This year’s edition will also be organized by a new entity, Live Events, which is run by economist Guðmundur Hreiðarsson Viborg. Reflective of their alleged financial woes, this year’s Secret Solstice is reported to be much smaller than those of previous years’, and it will also see ticket prices being reduced and operation hours shortened
Photo Credit: Mauricio Alvarado
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