Yeah Yeah Yeahs rocker Karen O pulled out of performing at Olivia Rodrigo’s inaugural festival because of a “family emergency”.
The 47-year-old singer is saddened to have withdrawn from the 23-year-old pop megastar’s Daisy Chain Fields festival at Great Park in Irvine, California, which took place on Saturday (29.08.26) and featured a line-up including Stevie Nicks, 78, and 58-year-old Sarah McLachlan.
Taking to Instagram, Karen O penned: “I was unable to perform at Daisy Chain due to a family emergency.
“Very sad to miss such a herstoric music event, but I’m where I’m most needed, with family back east.
“So much gratitude to Olivia for her advocacy for women, by women, who totally rock.
“Much [red heart emoji] KO. (sic)”
Fans rushed to the post’s comments section to send their well wishes to the artist and her family, as one penned: “I was sad you cannot make it, but glad you could prioritize your family.
“Hope everything will be okay for your family. Please play Daisy Chain next year! (sic).”
A second supporter typed: “You were missed but life is life. Sending you good magical love.”
And a third follower wrote: “We love you and hope all is well!”
Although Karen O was unable to attend Daisy Chain Fields festival, one spectator said her music was played “nonstop on the speakers throughout the festival”, including “Maps” and “Heads Will Roll”.
They added: “So we all felt you there with us in spirit.”
Olivia ultimately brought out Stevie Nicks, Sarah McLachlan, and Alanis Morissette, 52, as special guests at the event.
The all-female bill, also including Chappell Roan and Doechii, both 28, and Rachel Chinouriri, 27, waived their performance fees, with profits supporting organisations that advocate for women and girls.
Daisy Chain Fields raised $10 million for 10 non-profit groups before the festival, and soon doubled to $20 million following a matching donation from 62-year-old philanthropist Melinda French Gates.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs was formed in New York City in 2000 by Karen O, Nick Zinner, 51, and 48-year-old Brian Chase.
They shot to global stardom three years later with their smash-hit Maps.