Three steelbands pull out of Generations of Steel ahead of Saturday show

Three of the headline steel orchestras billed to perform at Saturday’s Generations of Steel concert at the Queen’s Park Savannah have withdrawn from the event, citing contractual and administrative issues.

Desperadoes Steel Orchestra, First Citizens Supernovas and Shell Invaders Steel Orchestra all announced on Friday that they would no longer be performing at the event, which is scheduled to take place on July 11.

In a statement, Desperadoes said both its senior and youth orchestras had taken the decision not to perform because of “an impasse regarding prospective contractual agreements with the organizers.”

The orchestra said the decision was taken “to safeguard ourselves and ensure the best interest of the Orchestra.”

First Citizens Supernovas also confirmed its withdrawal, saying it was “a difficult but unavoidable decision” that was beyond the orchestra’s control.

The band said it could not continue its participation because “outstanding administrative and contractual obligations remain unfulfilled.”

Shell Invaders Steel Orchestra likewise announced it would not be performing, citing “unavoidable circumstances.” The orchestra did not elaborate but wished the organisers and remaining participating bands a successful event.

The concert, promoted as Dane Gulston and Friends present Generations of Steel, is scheduled to run from 6 pm to 10.30 pm at the Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah. Trinidad All Stars and Fonclaire remain among the bands advertised to perform.

The withdrawals come days after Pan Trinbago issued a statement distancing itself from the event.

In a release on July 8, Pan Trinbago said it was “not the host, organiser, or promoter of the event” and had no involvement in its planning, management or execution. The organisation also said it did not possess tickets or passes for the show.