Numerous artists are boycotting festivals owned by Superstruct Entertainment, a company acquired by US hedge fund KKR, due to concerns over KKR’s investment portfolio. The cancellations are occurring across Europe, impacting major events and raising questions about the influence of corporate ownership on cultural events.

Dutch band Goldband recently withdrew from the Zwarte Cross festival, citing unease with KKR’s investments in fossil fuels, the weapons industry, and Israeli data and surveillance firms. The band emphasized their opposition to injustice and their support for the Palestinian cause, stating they could not support an event linked to KKR.

The cancellations began with 14 performers pulling out of the Milkshake festival in Amsterdam, forming a group called Ravers for Palestine. Other artists, including Youp van ‘t Hek, Claw Boys Claw, and Hang Youth, have also withdrawn from Zwarte Cross. The boycott extends beyond the Netherlands, with around 70 artists cancelling appearances at Sónar in Spain, another Superstruct-owned festival.

Superstruct Entertainment has issued a statement emphasizing its independence from KKR and expressing concern over the situation in Gaza. However, this has not stopped the wave of cancellations, highlighting the artists’ determination to avoid contributing to KKR’s profits.

Superstruct Entertainment, a British-Luxembourg company, owns and operates over 80 music festivals across 10 countries, including major Dutch events such as Zwarte Cross, Milkshake, and Awakenings. KKR acquired Superstruct for a reported €1.3 billion a year ago, with venture capital group CVC joining the deal in October.