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Big Day Out Frontman’s Visa Worry After Heroin Charge

Scott Fitzsimons

Experts say DIIV frontman will need a special exception

Zachary C. Smith, frontman of Big Day Out-bound New York band DIIV, has been arrested on heroin and traffic charges, with experts believing he will now likely require a special exception to enter the country.

According to a press release from the local Police Department, uploaded by CBS, Smith – who also plays in Beach Fossils – was pulled over in a 1990 Ford pickup on Saturday after police claim they observed several traffic infractions.

A check indicated that the number plates had been stolen and Smith, who was driving, had an outstanding vehicle and traffic warrant. In taking him into custody police allegedly found a bag containing 42 decks of heroin.

He was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and a number of traffic infringements, including driving an unregistered vehicle and not having insurance.

Also in the vehicle was his 21-year-old girlfriend and renowned singer and model Sky Ferreira.

Found to be in possession of ecstasy, she reportedly resisted arrest and was subsequently charged with that also.

Both will appear before court on 23 September.

A representative from Big Day Out has not returned theMusic.com.au's calls for comment, but it is understood the artist will need to declare any criminal charges pending a decision on their visa application.

A representative from Live Performance Australia confirmed to theMusic that the Department Of Immigration will likely take such an application on a case-by-case basis, as “border-line” applications are referred to a character unit.

In that character assessment the individual's criminal history – including any pending charges – will be considered before the Department decides whether the individual is “fit and proper” to enter the country and granted a special exception.

DIIV are mid-bill in a line-up that is topped by Arcade Fire, Blue, Pearl Jam and Snoop Dogg (aka Snoop Lion). Snoop himself has been denied entry in the past due to his extensive criminal record, but has usually been granted a special exception from the Department Of Immigration.

The band have addressed the matter on Twitter: