A MESSAGE FROM HALO CONCERNING THE FAR EAST FESTIVAL

More Live

We don’t usually do this sort of thing, but we feel compelled to let people know about some of the, let’s say, unsavoury people there are out there in this wonderful music industry.

We H A L O were approached by More Live, by one of their wonderful managers, ‘Brandon’, who asked if we would be interested in taking part in the Far East Festival over the weekend of 29th May – 1st June 2026. The event was to be held over multiple venues all over East London, but of course there were a few criteria that we would have to adhere to, promotion, ticket sales being the main ones. I explained to Brandon, that we, H A L O, were/are a bit of an old school band in that most of our followers are walk-ins, sometimes we can have as many as thirty people turn up and at others zero. “Oh, that’s fine, said Brandon, just get as many pre-sold tickets as possible as this will help determine where you play at/on the festival” “Ok I said, but just to reinforce, our followers are not the ticket buying type” “yes, yes that’s fine”

Now at this point I should point out that Brandon did seem a very nice chap, very friendly and chatty, I told him about what I did outside of music etc, even told him I was a Saints fan! This bit is important because you will see how Brandon manipulated the situation around some of the knowledge he had gathered.

Next phase: - Contacted by Brandon, “ticket sales 2” Me “Yes I told you, I’m not confident that the H A L O following are going to buy advanced tickets. “Ok just keep trying to sell as many as you can as it effects where and where you play!”, “I know but as I said our lot are very old school etc etc”

Now those of you that are musicians or involved in music know where this is going, to be fair so did I! But this continued for three weeks, the phone calls from Brandon, started coming when I was at my other work, he knew I couldn’t pick up and then started sending follow up messages: -

“Hi Simon, the usual update, your sales are on 2 so keep up the promo”

“Hi Brandon, sorry I missed your call, at work, can’t pick up, I’ll try getting back to you later, I’m all over the promotion online as you have seen”

Now this continued for a number of weeks, I was also contacted by an anonymous person on Instagram claiming to be The Far East Festival, “Can I share their advertisement for the event on Instagram”. “Yes” I said, do you have any information about where and when/time we are playing” NO RESPONSE

Moving forward and as a band we started to discuss this, and we did actually have a number of people that were interested in buying tickets but would not commit to buying if they didn’t know when/where we were going to be playing. Of course, I was still receiving the calls from Brandon when I was working, I responded with no response (Last of these was on the 5th May). I then received this via email: -

Hi Simon and team,

Promotion hasn't come along for the gig as we agreed it would. It’s best to leave this show here. The promoter has removed you from the line up. We won’t announce publicly, but will delete your announcement posts, can you do the same. We’ll inform customers via email they will be offered refunds.

If you feel like you can get 10+ advance sales in tonight, let me know.

Best,

Brandon

More Live

07426 799769

Live Music Booking Agency

Astonished I replied: -

Hey Brandon

What???

Firstly, what promotion hasn't come along for the gig that we agreed?

Secondly, regarding the promoter removing H A L O from the line - up. On what grounds?

We have promoted the event as requested, we managed to sell only a couple of tickets admittedly, however in the brief conversations we've had you said that you understood that we historically had a number of walk-ins to our shows. I have been trying to communicate with you (and another on Instagram, from what appears to be The Far East Festival) requesting venue and time slot for the 30thMay, all of which have been ignored!!!???

Concerning publicity, I would suggest that you hold on until this matter is concluded to both parties’ satisfaction. I know I speak for H A L O when say we are not impressed with the management of this situation by yourselves. The lack of professionalism, in particular with the non - communication, has truly been beyond belief. We had heard rumours from other promoters and bands about your methodology, and it appears to be coming to fruition as described.

Finally, ticket refunds and the selling of 10+ tickets. If you can tell us where and when we are playing, I'm sure we will be in a position to be able to fulfil the request you have made. At the conclusion of this (not quite sure what to call it) the people (Me) would love to receive the refund offered in the mail above.

I know, right!

22/05/2026 (today) still no reply from More Live, or messages on Instagram! No refund! I have removed our participation in this event; I’m interested to know if anyone else has been scammed by this same company or individual. I am a member of the Music Union, so UI will be sending a copy of this to them for their attention as I know they are big opposers of PAY FOR PLAY, which is what this SCAM is.

Watch this space…..