Electric Avenue Festival 2025: Australian singer Tones and I pulls out of performing days before Christchurch event

Tones And I will no longer attend Electric Avenue in Christchurch. Photo / WireImage

One of the headlining acts for Christchurch’s Electric Avenue Festival has suddenly disappeared from the bill, with Aussie musician Tones and I “now not able to make” the highly anticipated event that starts next Friday.

When set times for Electric Avenue were announced by organisers on social media Wednesday afternoon, the singer (real name Toni Watson) was notably absent, leading fans online to question whether the Dance Monkey hitmaker has pulled out.

Electric Avenue confirmed the unfortunate speculation with fans and issued an apology on their social media channels.

“Sad news for fans of Tones And I - unfortunately she’s now unable to make Electric Avenue this year. We apologise for the short notice.”

There was no announcement as to whether another performer will fill Watson’s spot, or the reason for the performer’s sudden departure.

Electric Avenue organisers and representatives for Watson have been contacted for comment.

Despite the unfortunate news, music fans from all over the country are set to flock to Christchurch next week for what will be one of the biggest two-day music festivals of the NZ summer calendar.

Around 2000 contractors work over two weeks to bring Electric Avenue to life. Photo / George Heard

The sold-out event at Hagley Park on February 21 and 22 features a number of other big-name acts, with performances from fellow Aussie electronic act Empire of the Sun on Friday, as well as English band The Kooks on Saturday set to wow crowds.

Kiwi band’s Shapeshifter and LAB are also high on the bill.

In a statement released to the Herald in 2024, festival director Callam Mitchell said interest in the event was high, with more than 25,000 tickets registered.

“We’re stoked by the level of interest – it’s amazing to have a line-up of this calibre to celebrate our 10th birthday and we can’t wait to party with you all.”

Watson, whose single Dance Monkey reached number one in over 30 countries, grew up busking, doing pub gigs, and creating YouTube videos before she gained international stardom in 2019.

She is known for her energetic live performance style and for her music that shares messages of love and acceptance.

Past Electric Avenue headliners have included Kiwi singers Lorde and Benee, as well as electronic acts Fat Freddy’s Drop and Chase and Status (who will also return this year).