Leading performer at Electric Picnic cancels due to serious injury
Serious injury forces headliner act at the Terminus arena to cancel Electric Picnic appearance
An act due to play at Electric Picnic 2026 in Laois has sadly had to cancel their appearance due to a serious injury.
UK club DJ Malugi was due to play in the Red Bull X Terminus dance arena on Sunday night.
He was scheduled to perform from 9pm to 10.30pm, headlining just before Belters Only.
Described as “the happiest man in dance music”, the unfortunate performer has explained that his decision is due to slow recovery from a broken spine.
“Unfortunately, I have some more bad news about my broken spine. After yesterday’s check-up, the spine specialist made it very clear that I’m not allowed to tour right now: neither to travel nor to perform.
“So, with a very heavy heart, I have to cancel all of my shows this week and next week. I absolutely hate letting you all down, and I’m so sorry to everyone who was looking forward to seeing me. I promise I’ll make it up to every city. Thank you for all the love and understanding. I can’t wait to be back and see you all very soon,” he said.
The DJ has also had to cancel his gigs at Onder De Radar Festival in Amsterdam, and the Touquet music beach festival in France.
The cancellation was announced this Thursday, August 27 as thousands of Early Access picnickers are descending on the Laois festival site.
Electric Picnic has luckily quickly found a great last minute replacement.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, Malugi is unable to perform at Electric Picnic this weekend.
“Stepping in we’re delighted to welcome Benwal B2B Kyle Starkey to the lineup. Major closing inbound,” they have announced.
The award winning Malugi has global fans, has played Glastonbury and Tomorrowland as well as international dance clubs like Panorama Bar and Amnesia Ibiza.
Meanwhile Benwal B2B who is from Netherlands, also performed at Tomorrowland and is midway through a European tour, fitting in the last minute Electric Picnic space, between gigs in Zeezout Festival Amsterdam, and Amnesia in Ibiza.
He sent good wishes to Malugi.
“Stepping in for my buddy @malugienergy get well soon,” he said.