Cancellation costs the artist money, because the date was held and other work turned down. A kill fee puts a number on that in advance.
Typical terms
- More than 60 days out: often nothing, and the deposit is returned
- 30 to 60 days: 50 percent of the fee
- Inside 30 days: the full fee
- On the day: the full fee plus travel and hotel costs already spent
These are common European starting points rather than a rule. Festival contracts often cap the exposure lower.
What it does not cover
A cancellation caused by something outside anyone's control falls under Force majeure instead, and usually pays nothing to either side.
If the artist cancels
The clause normally runs both ways. An artist pulling out inside 30 days can owe the promoter the marketing spend, production already booked and sometimes the refund costs. Read both halves of the clause, not only the half that protects you.