DEEP DIVE: Does The Drop music festival still have your money?
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Six years after The Drop music festival was cancelled due to COVID-19, thousands of ticket holders are still waiting for refunds—despite repeated promises and a now-defunct company. The festival’s organiser, Ken O'Brien, vanished after promising refunds by the end of 2022 and again in 2023, while the company’s ABN was officially cancelled in January 2025. With no trace of the organisers, no active website, and Eventbrite deflecting responsibility, many punters have resigned themselves to losing their money. Yet, legal experts confirm that organisers still owe refunds—even if the company is insolvent. The real issue isn’t just the money, but the emotional toll: friendships have dissolved, lives have changed, and the promise of a refund has become a running joke. Still, consumer advocates say the fight isn’t over—continuing pressure is the only way to force accountability.
Organisers legally owe refunds even after a company collapses, and you can still pursue claims through legal or consumer advocacy channels.
Chargebacks are a viable option for refunds, though success varies—especially if the event was cancelled due to pandemic or weather.
Eventbrite is not legally required to refund customers if the promoter fails, but consumer advocates say they should pressure organisers to pay.
Six years of silence from The Drop’s organisers has led to widespread resignation, but ongoing pressure may still yield results.
Refunds aren’t just about money—they’re about dignity, closure, and holding companies accountable for broken promises.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Drop Festival’s Long Shadow
“It's so far gone that we're pretty content with the idea that money has just gone into the ether.”
Voices from the Waiting Room
Eloise, Matt, and Joe share their personal stories of buying tickets in 2020, only to have the festival repeatedly rescheduled and then vanish without a trace.
Promises Broken: O'Brien’s Last Words
“We have every intention of returning to market and we will return to market. I assure you we will.”
The ABN is Gone, the Company is Dead
A search reveals The Drop’s Australian Business Number (ABN) was cancelled in January 2025, confirming the company is officially defunct and no longer operational.
Where Does the Money Go?
Eventbrite processed the $115.80 ticket payments, but once the company failed, Eventbrite claimed no responsibility—leaving ticket holders stranded.
“They've got your money and you should be chasing it because this is exactly what they're wanting people to do.”
“It's so far gone that we're pretty content with the idea that money has just gone into the ether.”
“We have every intention of returning to market and we will return to market. I assure you we will.”
Host
Guests
The Drop
other
Dave Marchese
person
Eventbrite
organization
Adam Glazer
person
Ken O'Brien
person
Ariana Le Chente
person
Consumer Champion
organization
ABN
other
Triple J
media
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