Lorde Ditches Laneway For The Grammy Awards, To Play Free Show For Ticketholders
Lorde is skipping St Jerome’s Laneway Festival for the Grammy Awards, but her fans need not to worry because she’s sweetening the deal with a free concert. The 17-year-old Auckland schoolgirl had to let go of her planned appearance at the travelling international music fest to be able to attend the Grammy Awards in the U.S.
The “Royals” hitmaker signed up to perform at Laneway in Auckland on January 27, but that was before she was nominated for four gongs at the prestigious U.S. awards show.
She is nominated for record of the year, song of the year (“Royals”), pop solo performance, and best pop vocal album for “Pure Heroine.” And because she’s up for the trophies, she would have to be at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles on January 26.
With the two events happening just one day (or hours, considering the time difference) apart, it’s no wonder Lorde had to choose one over the other.
And she chose the Grammys.
Laneway organisers aren’t bitter over Lorde’s choice, though. In fact, they are in full support of the young star.
“This outstanding nomination is historic in nature and a huge achievement for Lorde. Laneway Festival is in full support of Lorde and her strong future,” a statement from Laneway reads.
“Laneway Festival is thrilled to put on a make-up show for Lorde as she continues to be globally recognised for her unparalleled work in music.”
Laneway festival-goers who bought tickets just to see Lorde don’t need to fear because she is going to perform for them two days after her original scheduled appearance.
Festival-goers who already have a ticket will be treated to a free Lorde show on January 29 at Silo Park. It’s also free for those planning to attend the festival and will buy tickets before 5pm on January 8. For those who aren’t going to Laneway but still want to see Lorde, they can purchase a ticket from January 9.
The best thing about Lorde’s newly scheduled show is that it’s open to all ages, unlike the Laneway festival that is only for 18 years old and above.
Lorde herself expressed her frustration over the overlapped events, but hopes fans would forgive her for changing her plans.
not being there on the day of auckland laneway makes me wanna punch walls but hopefully the free show is okay for you!
— Lorde (@lordemusic) December 8, 2013
and let's face it, you will have the most mental cool time without me #haimchvrchesmtkimbieetcetcetc — Lorde (@lordemusic) December 8, 2013
Only the Auckland leg of Laneway has been compromised. The rest of Lorde’s scheduled appearances in the Australian cities of Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney are still a go.