Who would've thought a volcano eruption in Iceland could have rippling effects on a rock fest way over in California? Some of the U.K. acts who were supposed to play the Coachella Festival this weekend are being forced to cancel because of the big ash storm that has grounded trans-Atlantic flights. Foremost among them is Bad Lieutenant, the new New Order offshoot with Bernard Sumner, whose publicist just sent out a press release saying the band has "exhausted every possible scenario to make their way to the United States." Word from the BBC is that the Cribs, Frightened Rabbit and Delphic also can't make it to the fest because of the volcanic fallout.
A Minnesota band also might be affected by the volcano: Punk quartet Banner Pilot, newly signed to Fat Wreck Chords, have a three-week European tour booked that's supposed to kick off next Thursday in France. The band has a few days for flights to resume, but it's not taking any chances. It posted a request on Facebook for anybody with a "really fast boat." It's also polling fans on possible tour names, including the "Ash Happens Tour" and "Banner Pilot vs. the Volcano."
(Photo by Jon Gustafsson/Associated Press)
