The 1975 Ordered to Pay £2 Million in Damages Over Alleged Contract Breach

The British band, The 1975, has been instructed to pay over £2 million in damages as a result of purportedly violating a contract with a music festival in Malaysia.

Future Sound Asia (FSA), the organizers behind the Good Vibes festival, asserted that they had received a written assurance before the show, affirming the band’s commitment to adhering to local guidelines and regulations during their performance.

Controversial Set and Event Cancellation

During the band’s performance in Kuala Lumpur in July, the lead vocalist, Matty Healy, delivered a speech concerning homosexuality, a topic considered illegal in Malaysia, and engaged in an on-stage kiss with the bassist, Ross MacDonald.

The FSA claimed that Healy’s actions, characterized as “abusive language, equipment damage, and indecent stage behaviour,” led to the cancellation of the event.

Consequently, the three-day festival was called off, resulting in the cancellation of performances by headlining acts such as The Kid Laroi and The Strokes.

Demand for Compensation and Legal Action

Subsequently, the FSA issued a statement on Monday, revealing that they had sent a letter of claim to The 1975, urging the band to acknowledge their contractual breach and provide compensation for the incurred damages.

Although the exact sum was not specified, a subsequent statement shared by FSA’s lawyers with the PA news agency on Friday disclosed that they were seeking £2,099,154.54 in damages.

David Mathew, legal counsel for FSA, clarified that the basis of the claim was breach of contract.

He highlighted that The 1975 had agreed, through Healy’s representative, to adhere to local guidelines and regulations, a commitment that was ultimately disregarded, leading to the unfortunate turn of events.

Implications for the Festival and Local Community

The legal action taken by FSA is rooted in the band’s breach of their contractual obligations.

The repercussions of The 1975’s actions extended to local artists and small businesses that relied on the festival for creative opportunities and livelihoods.

Future Sound Asia’s intent is to pursue a resolution that offers closure to the affected Malaysian community.

Potential Legal Proceedings and Blacklisting

In the event that the band fails to address the final warning issued by FSA, the organization has indicated that legal proceedings in English courts will commence.

The incident also prompted the Malaysian Ministry of Communications and Digital to blacklist The 1975 under the oversight of the entity responsible for foreign artists performing in the country.

In response, the band chose to cancel two tour dates, one in Jakarta, Indonesia, at We The Fest, and another at the Taipei Music Centre in Taiwan, both in Asia.

Awaiting Response

Efforts have been made to obtain comments from representatives of Matty Healy regarding the situation.

As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how the band will respond to the allegations and the subsequent demand for compensation.