Live Nation pulls out of proposed Popped! Festival

Live Nation, the world's largest concert promoter, has pulled out of the Popped! Festival, scheduled for June 19-21 at FDR Park in South Philadelphia.

"On February 20th, Live Nation suddenly cited 'roadblocks' in planning the festival that warranted its withdrawal," says J. Conor Corcoran, lawyer for the festival, which debuted last summer at Drexel. Corcoran says Live Nation did not specify why it sought to cease involvement with the outdoor concert, which we reported last month had been approved by the Fairmount Park Commission. "Popped! is attempting to rescue the festival," says Corcoran, who calls the proposed concert "a tremendous showcasing opportunity for Fairmount Park, in particular, and the City of Philadelphia."

A Live Nation official yesterday confirmed that the company had pulled out of the project, but declined to discuss why.