Kanye West. Photo / AP
So motormouth hip-hop mogul Kanye West has been given the heave-ho as headliner of the Big Day Out as our biggest music festival downsizes to keep going.
While the promoters are already suffering a backlash, here's a thought: a smaller BDO might not be so bad.
Other cost-cutting measures for the January 20 event, which also affect the Perth and Adelaide dates, include having four stages instead of seven.
That should mean better sound by lessening clashes between stages, local bands will play alongside international acts instead of being relegated to the Local Produce stage, and it will make planning your day a lot simpler.
New Zealand promoter Campbell Smith said without the changes there would be no Auckland event.
"It's a very expensive show. We needed to look at rebuilding it from the ground up. We want to make sure we still have a Big Day Out here."
Soundgarden will now headline and West's place has been taken by former Oasis main man Noel Gallagher and his new band the High Flying Birds.
There has been an outcry over West's axing and the downsizing - with some even proclaiming the 2012 Big Day Out to be the last. I wouldn't go that far. At least I'd hope not, because I love the Big Day Out.
No matter how much fans debate and criticise the line-ups, they are always diverse and interesting. Where else in New Zealand can you see saucy pop diva Kimbra then get your ears ravaged by Brazilian metal outfit the Cavalera Conspiracy?
The shrinking of the Big Day Out has been happening for a while now as they face stiff competition.
The event is not suffering so much from the growth of local festivals such as Rhythm and Vines and Laneway, but from big Australian festivals. These include Splendour in the Grass, Byron Bay Bluesfest and Soundwave.
So while there will - hopefully - be more Big Day Outs, they may just be a little bit smaller.
* Ticketholders are offered a $20 merchandise voucher now West is not part of the bill. Refunds are available until November 30.
By Scott Kara
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