Frightened Rabbit, Cribs' Coachella Hopes Smothered By Volcano

If you live in Europe, you've probably noticed. But in case you haven't heard, Iceland is in trouble. A few days ago, the volcano Eyjafjallajokull erupted, covering much of the surrounding area in a cloud of volcanic ash. As a result, what some are now calling "the Coachella-hating volcano" has grounded all U.K. and some other European flights, derailing more than a few bands' plans to play this weekend's Southern California music festival.

One of the many tents at Coachella 2007 (photo by Mick 0 via Flickr)

The cancellations thus far include Frightened Rabbit, Bad Lieutenant (which also cancelled a San Francisco show) and The Cribs. According to The Cribs' MySpace blog, Coachella organizers even offered the band a private jet, but to no avail. At this point, the festival's organizers no doubt have their fingers crossed that Delphic and Gary Numan will be able to make it to California for their sets on Sunday, but at this point, it's not looking good.

According to BBC News, though the plume of ash will probably impede air travel for at least a couple of days, major attractions Gorillaz, Thom Yorke, Muse and the rest of the festival's U.K. contingent are already in the U.S. A New York Times blog entry reports that the French group Phoenix has also arrived safe and sound, as well.

Among other musical casualties from the ash cloud, the Scottish band Los Campesinos! just canceled two U.S. dates. Tonight's Hoboken, N.J., show has been rescheduled for Wednesday, and, assuming flights pick up again over the weekend, the band will recommence its tour in Quebec on Sunday.