'How to replace a headliner?' in seven steps

Last night, Sam Fender cancelled his concert at Rock Werchter due to a haemorrhaged vocal cord. Doctors have prescribed rest. Like tens of thousands of fans, we were eagerly anticipating his first headline appearance at the festival. We wish Sam a full and speedy recovery.

It’s the kind of news no organizer wants to hear. There’s no fixed script, no ready-made plan B or C when a headliner cancels. But we do have a team of bookers who use all their knowledge and network to find the best solution.

1. Define your goal: Sam Fender was the headliner. That’s the slot that needs to be filled.
2. Check tour schedules of bands that could be eligible. Anyone already playing a show on 5 July is ruled out. Bands not currently on tour are also unlikely candidates. If a band isn’t performing, part of their crew might be working for other bands. A larger act can have between 20 and 120 people on the road.
3. Create a shortlist of potentially available acts.
4. Contact the international agents of the selected bands and check if adding Rock Werchter is an option.
5. Be prepared to hear ‘no’ often. Not every artist wants or is able to perform on a day off. Rest days are deliberately built into tour schedules to allow band members to recover or to cover long distances between shows with trucks full of gear. Is it feasible logistically and production-wise? A full checklist is reviewed.
6. The plan comes together: Nothing But Thieves are added to the line-up. The band is preparing for a tour starting at the end of July and can move quickly. Their love for Rock Werchter helps. Yungblud moves up. He’s ready for the headline spot and is bringing a top-notch production to Werchter.
7. Confirmed! The schedule is updated, and press, media, and festivalgoers are informed.