Under doctor’s orders, electro punk band The Prodigy have been forced to pull out of two headline festival performances this weekend, including Dreambeach in Spain and Winchester’s Boomtown Festival.
In a social media announcement, the group apologised for the cancellation, explaining that singer Maxim is recovering from a “temporary back injury” – a setback which gives them no other choice but to call off their next couple of live shows.
The official statement adds: “This isn’t a decision the band take lightly and they apologise to all fans who are travelling to these shows. We will update everyone on his progress and future shows as soon as possible.”
The Prodigy have unfortunately been forced to cancel their upcoming headline festival performances at Dreambeach (ES) and Boomtown (UK) under doctor’s orders, as Maxim recovers from a temporary back injury. pic.twitter.com/uiITsxhTcI
— The Prodigy (@the_prodigy) August 10, 2023
The Essex rave rockers were due to take to the stage at Dreambeach Festival in Spain on 11 August, before travelling to Winchester on 13 August for their first performance in the city since 1992. In their own statement, Boomtown Fair wrote:
“There is no easy way to say this. We have just been made aware The Prodigy can no longer play at Boomtown 2023. […] We and the band are gutted and know you will be feeling the same. We are now working hard to bring this iconic band to Grand Central next year at Boomtown 2024. Until then we send Maxim our love and wish him a smooth recovery.”
Electronic duo Chase & Status have now been slated for headline replacement.
The last-minute withdrawal brings unfortunate news for Prodigy fans, many of whom would have been happy to have secured tickets to see a band that has, in recent years, spent less time on the road. The tragic passing of former member Keith Flint in 2019 coupled with the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a three-year touring hiatus, with the group finally returning to the stage in mid-2022.
Earlier this year, The Prodigy released a four-track remix EP in celebration of the 25th anniversary of their groundbreaking third studio album, The Fat Of The Land. Upon its original release in 1997, the now-iconic LP – which contains hits such as “Firestarter” and “Breathe” – quickly topped charts worldwide, and has sold over 10 million copies to date.
Check out Mefjus & Camo & Krooked’s remix of “Breathe” below:
Provided Maxim makes a speedy recovery, the band are set to play headline sets at a number of other festivals this Summer, before embarking on their Army Of The Ants tour in November.
See below for UK dates:
16/11/2023 – OVO Hydro – Glasgow
17/11 – AO Arena – Manchester
18/11 – First Direct Arena – Leeds
20/11 – Brighton Centre – Brighton
21/11 – International Arena – Cardiff
23/11 – Utilita Arena – Birmingham
24/11 – Alexandra Palace – London
Get tickets here.
