Blur pull out of France’s Beauregard festival after Dave Rowntree suffers leg injury

Blur drummer Dave Rowntree
(Image credit: Tim Mosenfelder/WireImage)

Blur have cancelled their scheduled headline appearance at Festival Beaurgard in France this Thursday after drummer Dave Rowntree suffered an undisclosed knee injury, causing speculation as to whether or not Blur’s Wembley dates this weekend will still go ahead. 

The announcement was made via the festival’s social media channels, saying [translated] “The bad news just in: Blur will not be able to secure their concert in Beauregard. Drummer Dave Rowntree has injured himself over the weekend and needs to rest to ensure future shows”

The post goes on to announce that Royal Blood will be taking Blur’s place as the festival’s headline act.

Posted by festivalbeauregard on 

The post caused some French fans to question how Rowntree can recover from his injury in five days, but not three. Amongst the fans wishing Dave a speedy recovery are complaints from those who have planned travel and accommodation to watch Blur, while others speculate that the band simply don’t want to perform in France given the current political turbulence. Meanwhile, one fan suggests that employing a session drummer for the date would have been a better solution.

Blur have yet to comment on the cancelled dates, however, a post to the band’s official Facebook page from 3 July reads, “Five days, Wembley.”, suggesting that this weekend’s shows are still due to take place, and that the band are prioritising the Wembley dates over the one-off festival performance.

Posted by blur on 

Blur are set to headline two nights at Wembley Stadium, joined by Self-Esteem, Sleaford Mods and Jockstrap on Saturday 8 July, and The Selector and Paul Weller on Sunday 9 July.

Stuart Williams
Drums

I'm a freelance member of the MusicRadar team, specialising in drum news, interviews and reviews. I formerly edited Rhythm and Total Guitar here in the UK and have been playing drums for more than 25 years (my arms are very tired). When I'm not working on the site, I can be found on my electronic kit at home, or gigging and depping in function bands and the odd original project.