We’re sad to say the rumours are true – vintage alt-rockers Stone Temple Pilots have pulled out of their opening night gig at Dubai Jazz Festival.
However something perhaps even better is taking place in its place – with a new headline announced to play a FREE gig instead, open to anyone who’s bought a ticket for any of the three other main gigs. Meanwhile ticketholder for the STP gig are entitled to a refund.
A tribute to vintage funk pop band Earth, Wind & Fire will now top the bill at the Thursday February 13 gig, open for free to anyone who has bought a ticket – whether Regular, Middle and Front Pits, or the VIP Terrace – for any of the other three headline main gigs, which take place on February 14, 19 and 20, headlined by Olly Murs, Jamie Cullum and Santana respectively. However ticketholders of the cheaper Jazz Legends gigs on these days will not be eligible for entry.
A former member of the ’70s and ’80s hitmakers, guitarist Al Mackay will perform his Earth, Wind & Fire Experience featuring The Al McKay Allstars show, bringing with him four decades of heritage and a huge back catalogue including hits ‘Shining Star’, ‘Devotion’, Boogie Wonderland’, ‘Let’s Groove’ and many more.
As well the new headliners existing main gig ticket holders will also have access to the Jazz Legends stage that night. Lucky, then, that this may be the hottest night on this purist’s stage – with drumming legend and Miles Davis alumni Al Foster headlining, as well as saxophonist Tony Lakatos.
Stone Temple Pilots have endured a rocky time of late, sacking their iconic frontman Scott Weiland last year after close to 25 years of heritage, and recruiting former Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington to take the mic.
It was announced last week the band had pulled out of all their upcoming gigs, including concerts in Asia, Australia, South Africa, and the Middle East, due to a ‘scheduling conflict’.
UAE rockers Juliana Down were also booked to perform on the mainstage on opening night.
To gain entry to the new February 13 gig, existing ticket holders need to arrive before 8.30pm and show a valid ticket for any of the other main gigs.
For ticket refunds on the Stone Temple Pilots with Chester Bennington show, please contact Ticketmaster for immediate action. Requests for refund will be open from February 4 to 12 2014.
For more information and tickets visit www.dubaijazzfest.com.
