Coca Cola Zero Fest let down as two bands pull out

Music lovers are going to be out in force this weekend as the Coca Cola Zero Fest kicks off in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

The annual music festival has been a source of great excitement this year with a line up of amazing international and local bands. There's Oasis, Snow Patrol, Panic at the Disco, Bullet for my Valentine, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Zebra and Giraffe, The Dirty Skirts, Cassette, Foto na Dans, Aking and One Day Remains.

Or at least...there was.

Just this morning it was announced that Bullet for my Valentine and The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus have both pulled out, 48 hours before the festival begins in Johannesburg. Is that bleak or what? There are going to be a lot of upset fans in South Africa this weekend.

The real question though is why did they pull out?

Well, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus said they had some "personnel changes". Fair enough. You can't exactly play if you're missing your drummer or something can you?

Bullet For my Valentine had a bit of a weaker excuse. In a statement issued as an apology by Matt Tuck of the band, it's mentioned that the reason they're cancelling is because they're...writing new songs and have a busy schedule with their new album. I don't know if that's going to be a good enough excuse for fans but we'll see.

Here at Tourism Radio like to look on the bright side of life though and we certainly see the light here. With the two sudden cancellations the other bands may be playing longer sets. That means more of our great local bands. Gotta say, we're excited!

Anyway, if there are any of you who are disappointed by the sudden pulling out of these two bands, you have until Friday April 17 2009 to claim a full refund. All you have to do is take your ticket in its original state (i.e. with no damage what so ever) to your closest Computicket outlet and they'll sort you out.