Electric Daisy Carnival, the annual weekend rave that’s considered one of the most attended music events in the U.S., will not be returning to Los Angeles in 2011. Launched in 1997, EDC sparked strong criticism last year after a 16-year-old girl died of an ecstasy overdoes during the event. A much-publicized investigation followed and a local legislation called on a temporary moratorium on all LA-based raves.
Despite rumors that EDC would return to L.A. Memorial Coliseum this June, Pop & Hiss now reports that the festival’s organizers, Insomniac Inc, have instead decided launch a new two-day festival in Las Vegas.
“Without an executed contract in place at this time, it has become impossible to guarantee to all of the fans and talent that EDC can be produced at this venue this year,” said Pasquale Rotella, CEO of Insomniac, in an issued statement. ”We are grateful for all of the events we’ve been able to produce at the Coliseum and Sports Arena over the years, and for the support of the fans, Los Angeles, the Coliseum Commission and everyone who has contributed to those events.”
Rotella continued: “Producing an event for over 150,000 guests requires extensive advance planning and a significant financial investment. Recent events have created an environment that makes producing Electric Daisy Carnival at an appropriate venue in Los Angeles an insurmountable challenge for 2011.”
“As Freddie Mercury used to sing, ‘The show must go on.’ We are very excited to bring Electric Daisy Carnival to another world-class destination – Las Vegas… I’ve always dreamed of taking this show to Las Vegas. We invite all of our fans to join us there.”
Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas is set for June 24 and 25, and further details on ticket sales, venue, and artist lineup will be announced soon. EDC also plans one-day raves in Dallas, Denver, and Puerto Rico over the course of the summer.
