Pandemonium Rocks has announced that one of its headliners has been forced to drop out due to a tragic family emergency.
American rock bandPalaye Royale had been set to perform at the Australian rock music festival, which kicks off on Saturday in Melbourne.
However, the band - consisting of brothersRemington Leith, Sebastian Danzig, and Emerson Barrett - has had to pull out at the last minute due to a devastating family emergency.
The brothers took to Instagram to explain that their mother has been told she only has a few days left to liveamid a battle with stage four brain and lung cancer.
Pandemonium Rocks took to Instagram to confirm that Palaye Royale would no longer be travelling to Australia for the festival in light of the tragic news.
Pandemonium Rocks has announced that headliners Palaye Royale (pictured) has been forced to drop out due to a tragic family emergency
A statement from the band read: 'It is with heavy hearts that we are cancelling our performance at the upcoming Pandemonium Festival.
'We have encountered a family emergency that requires our immediate attention and presence.
'In light of this unfortunate circ*mstance, we extend our sincerest apologies to all those who were anticipating our performance.
'We are grateful for the understanding and support of our fans, as well as the organisers of Pandemonium Festival, during this challenging time.'
The band added on their Instagram in an emotional post: 'All prayers and positive thoughts in hopes of our Mom feeling the love would be greatly appreciated.
The band - consisting of brothers Remington Leith, Sebastian Danzig, and Emerson Barrett - had been set to perform at the Australian rock music festival, but they have had to pull out
The brothers took to Instagram to explain that their mother only has a few days left to live amid a battle with brain and lung cancer, with Pandemonium Rocks also sharing a statement
'We have received devastating news regarding our Mom. As many of you know she was diagnosed with stage 4 brain and lung cancer in July 2023.
'She fought hard and long but this past weekend our Mom had to be rushed back to the hospital to find out the cancer has torn through her intestines and we have been given only a few more hours to days left.'
The brothers were quickly flooded with messages from support from their friends and fans as they sent their love to the family at the difficult time.
Pandemonium Rocks confirmed that a local act will now be opening each festival, with set times yet to be confirmed.
The new rock festival is set to kick off in Melbourne on Saturday, before touring in Sydney, the Gold Coast and Brisbane the following week
Last month, the festival was hit by fears it would be cancelled after a trying time for Australian music festivals (pictured: Stock image of crowds atThe Soundwave Music Festival in 2011)
The new rock festival is set to kick off in Melbourne on Saturday, before touring in Sydney, the Gold Coast and Brisbane the following week.
It recently came under fire from fans over its announcement that ticketholders won't be given full refunds, following a major line-up change.
Earlier this month, it was announced that sixacts had been scrapped from the festival, including international headliners Placebo and Deep Purple as well as US band Dead Kennedys.
The location of several dates have also been changed, while organisers also confirmed that its original multi-stage layout had been condensed into one stage.
It recently came under fire from fans over its announcement that ticketholders won't be given full refunds, following a major line-up change, which saw Placebo among the band scrapped
General admission tickets have also been slashed from around $285 to $190, while VIP tickets have been reduced from $830 to $650.
Pandemonium Rocks then clarified on social media that, despite the changes, ticketholders could not claim a full refund.
Instead, they could either receive onecomplimentary GA ticket per full price ticket purchased, a partial refund of $70 (which is the difference between the initial price and the new ticket price), or an 'exclusive Pandemonium hoodie valued at $100'.
The decision not to provide a full refund option caused outrage among fans, who took to social media at the time to voice their disapproval.
Alice Cooper (pictured in 2022), Blondie, Wheatus, Wolfmother and Cosmic Psychos are among the acts still set to perform at the rock festival
Last month, thefestival was hit by fears it would be cancelledafter a string of Australian festivals got the axe.
But organisers reassured fans at the time the festival would go ahead with 'some changes', before officially confirming the line-up alterations.
Alice Cooper, Blondie, Wheatus, Wolfmother and Cosmic Psychos are among the acts still set to perform at the rock festival.
