Hatari released a statement to the media today concerning the recent announcement of their last ever concert, to be held on December 28th at Húrra.
The letter—roughly translated below—says that the band’s raison d’être—fomenting the downfall of capitalism—has failed, and that “the secondary goal of the outfit—to expose the ceaseless racket and fraudulent nature of everyday life—was not achieved at a satisfactory rate.”
The band also released a new video.
To whom it may concern,
The award-winning band Hatari concludes its work at the end of this year. The board of directors of Svikamylla ehf. passed a resolution that the band would be terminated at the general meeting of the corporation earlier this month. It is clear that consumers that do not ensure a ticket for the last concert of the band, ENDALOK, at Húrra on December 28th, will never again see them in person, as doomsday is soon upon us. The recently released video for the track “SPILLINGARDANS” is their last attempt at dismantling the apparatus capitalism. The business did not meet the expectations of the board, and therefore the artists of HATARI will formally hand in letters of resignation on the 24th of December.
The band garnered much praise in their short career. They received two Reykjavík Grapevine Music Awards for Best Live Band, and were named as the winners of Iceland Airwaves in The Line Of Best Fit and other media. Nevertheless it was concluded that market conditions are such that the ongoing operation of HATARI’s business activities would not deliver a satisfying rate of return in the forseeable future. Furthermore, the secondary goal of the outfit—to expose the ceaseless racket and fraudulent nature of everyday life—was not achieved at a satisfactory rate.
“When I heard Hatari were quitting I choked. I think I ate four hamburgers that night to try to fill the void that these news left in me. Icelandic music life will never be the same,” says Gauti Þeyr, also known as Emmsjé Gauti, about Hatari’s decision to finish.
“Icelandic popular culture was not ready for Hatari, and not without reason. People will not accept just anything,” said Jón Gnarr, the former Mayor of Reykjavík and cultural critic. “With the birth and death of Hatari a chord was struck that will vibrate in the subconscious of icelandic music life for all eternity. May this day be recorded in the annals of history as the absolute worst so far,” broadcaster Andrea Jónsdóttir was quoted as saying upon hearing the news.
No further information will be given.
With respects,
The Board of Directors, Svikamylla ehf.
Hatari have become known for wild hyperbole and amusing pranks, such as when they announced a business partnership with Icelandic bank Landsbankinn, which was reported widely in mainstream news before being confirmed as a hoax.
For the record, those not in Iceland can also catch Hatari live at Europe’s premier music business showcase festival and networking hub Eurosonic, where they are currently slated to appear on January 17th, if this dissolution should for some reason not occur as planned.
Buy subscriptions, t-shirts and more from our shop right here!
