Planned 'Daisy Jones & The Six' Lollapalooza Performance Canceled Due to SAG Strike

The cast of the popular television series "Daisy Jones & The Six" was poised to take the stage at the renowned Lollapalooza music festival in Chicago last summer, but plans were thwarted by a labor strike that affected the entertainment industry. Suki Waterhouse, one of the show's stars, revealed in a recent YouTube vlog that the performance was meticulously organized, with visas secured for the cast members, only to be canceled due to the strike initiated by the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). The strike, which began in July 2023 and lasted until November of the same year, prohibited union members from engaging in any promotional activities related to their projects, including performances, interviews, and even social media promotions. Waterhouse expressed her disappointment, stating, “That whole thing was planned... And then the SAG strike happened, so we all decided that we should not perform at Lollapalooza.” She lamented the missed opportunity, saying, “But I am looking out my window today, just sad that they’re not here.”

"Daisy Jones & The Six," based on a best-selling novel, chronicles the rise and fall of a fictional rock band in the 1970s, drawing comparisons to real-life groups like Fleetwood Mac. The series has garnered significant acclaim, including nominations for nine Emmy Awards and a Grammy nomination for its original soundtrack, "Aurora." The album, featuring 24 original songs, achieved commercial success, topping the Billboard Soundtracks chart and marking a notable achievement for a band originating from a scripted series.

Despite the setback at Lollapalooza, the cast had previously hinted at their musical aspirations. Social media posts from the cast indicated they were rehearsing for live performances, fueling fan hopes for a reunion concert. Waterhouse had previously mentioned that performing live was a dream for the cast, stating, “That’s always been a dream for the whole cast. And we hope that someday it will become a reality.”

The disappointment over the canceled performance reflects a broader sentiment among fans who have passionately embraced the series and its music. The show's creators had also expressed hope for a live performance, with showrunners noting the cast's ability to perform without accompaniment during rehearsals. “We know they could pull it off and we know it’s a spectacular show,” one of the showrunners remarked.

The missed opportunity at Lollapalooza has sparked discussions about the promotional strategies of streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, which produced the series. Critics have pointed out that the timing of promotional events could have been better aligned with the show's release, suggesting that a live performance could have enhanced visibility and recognition during awards season.

As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, the story of "Daisy Jones & The Six" serves as a reminder of the complexities faced by artists and performers in navigating labor disputes and promotional opportunities. The cast's longing for a live performance resonates with fans who have connected deeply with the show's narrative and music, leaving many to wonder if the dream of seeing the fictional band perform will ever come to fruition.