MTV has struck down US talk show host Stephen Colbert‘s claims that they banned Daft Punk from appearing on his show The Colbert Report, insisting that it was a decision made by Daft Punk and their management.
The French house duo were set to appear on the Tuesday, 6th August episode of Colbert’s satirical talk show but cancelled at the last minute. The reason for their cancellation was soon revealed to be a contractual conflict with the MTV Music Video Awards, who wanted exclusivity on the pair’s appearance. Colbert told his audience:
“Here’s the story…We booked click and clack over here about a month ago. This network is owned by Viacom, which is also the owner of MTV.
“Apparently, Daft Punk are going to make a surprise appearance on the MTV Video Music Awards. Don’t tell anyone, because fun fact: no one told me until two hours ago.”
On an episode of comedian Paul Mecurio’s podcast, Colbert explained that he understood MTV’s reasoning behind the ban, but expressed agitation at the decision, saying, “I’m the guy who’s completely screwed here. I don’t have a show tonight.”
But VMAs executive producer, Jesse Ignjatovic, claims that Colbert’s version of events is untrue and the last minute cancellation was Daft Punk’s decision. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Ignjatovic said:
“We don’t put restrictions on anyone. I just think that we’re talking to them about a moment and then things sort of change. I would not describe that as MTV putting restrictions on people – it was up to that artist and their management what they wanted to do.”
The news comes after rumours began circulating that the house legends’ appearance on The Colbert Report was a red herring used to publicise their appearance on the VMAs.
(Via NME)
Gallery: The 10 weakest excuses for cancelling shows last-minute
Weakest Excuses For Cancelling Gigs Last Minute
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Death Grips
THE NO SHOW WAS THE SHOW: Death Grips' Lollapalooza 2013 after party was set to go off, but the band simply never showed up. Fans were expecting the band at any moment but when venue staff broke the bad news shit got cray, an onstage drumkit was destroyed as the band's album played and an odd suicide note was projected on stage. The band now claim the lack of a performance WAS the performance. Weak. -
Celine Dion
HURT FEELINGS: In 1997, Celine Dion cancelled a gig in Nova Scotia because local media kept taking the piss out of her. "When an artist comes to a place to entertain, the artist hopes people are happy," husband/manager Rene Angelil said, "I couldn't understand that negative reaction." -
Flo Rida
SLEPT IN: After putting up some serious money to book Flo Rida in 2011, you can understand Fat As Butter's frustration when their headlining act told them moments before he was meant to take the stage that he slept in and would be unable to perform. -
Joe Strummer
BEARDY FITNESS: In 1982, Joe Strummer did a runner after the Clash's 'Combat Rock' was released, either as a publicity stunt or a power play. The band's UK tour was cancelled, and Strummer was later discovered in France, having grown a beard and run the Paris Marathon. -
Bieber
TOO DAMN SEXY: Earlier this year, our good mate Justin Bieber cancelled a gig in Oman after Muslim leaders in the Islamic country deemed him "too sexy", being labelled a "reprobate" in the process. -
Kings Of Leon
AVIAN COPROPHAGIA: During a gig in St Louis in 2010, Kings Of Leon were bombarded with poo after disturbing birds in the rafters. Three songs in, the band quit, with Nathan Followill tweeting that "a bird shat in Jared's mouth". -
Azealia Banks
DIVA PARANOIA: Whether it's because The Stone Roses sound guy messed up her set at Future Music Festival 2013 or "technical issues" at Splendour In The Grass 2013, it doesn't take much for Azealia Banks to drop a performance, and blame those around her for it. -
Morrissey
SENSITIVE NOSE: Morrissey fans almost deem it a right of passage to have the man cancel their gig. "I can smell burning flesh ... and I hope to God it's human," said Moz during his Coachella set in 2009. Halfway through 'Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others', Morrissey decided he'd had enough and walked off stage. -
Oasis
BROTHER'S TIFF: In 2009, Oasis cancelled their Rock en Seine festival gig just one minute before going on stage - yet another spat between brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher was the final straw, Noel quitting the band effective immediately. -
Supafest
NO EXCUSE AT ALL: Lack of an excuse is far weaker than any weak excuse. With Supafest artists in previous years not performing, claiming they never confirmed and/or hiding in bathrooms to avoid performances, it was clear organisers had some explaining to do. This year, the entire festival was cancelled just a week out from launch day, and organisers are yet to give any solid reason as to why it all fell apart. -
Motley Crue
THE GOOD GUYS: Motley Crue cancelled a show in New York earlier this year due to dangerous weather conditions. Fair enough. But when the band learned that a fan had flown all the way from Japan to see the gig, Nikki Sixx flew the dude to Atlantic City for their next show, putting him up in a hotel as well. Class.
