Cancelled Artist Hits Back At Bluesfest Claims

A French-based representative for Ernest Ranglin has hit back at claims that the legendary Jamaican artist pulled out of the Bluesfest festival after receiving a better offer.

On Friday Bluesfest released a statement claiming that confusion over booking agents meant that Ranglin would no longer become to the festival, the promoters suggesting that he “took a bigger offer after having previously confirmed ours.”

The festival had apparently confirmed the tour through a Jamaican-based booking agent only to be told that he was now represented by a French agency.

In an email to theMusic.com.au Christian Georgiadis of agency Bacana s.a.r.l. confirmed that they were not involved with Bluesfest negotiations and said that Ranglin hadn't accepted any other shows.

“I can confirm in writing that Mr Ranglin hasn't been confirmed by us at any event during the period of Bluesfest.”

Georgiadis expressed sadness that “the reputation of the probably most influential Jamaican artists of all times has been damaged with such negligence. Mr Ranglin is a humble and decent person and he is not deserving to be treated in such way.”