The Sydney five-piece were announced as part of a line-up that was received as one of the festival’s biggest in its four year history, but after criticisms directed towards the event organisers for booking the group, they “decided to withdraw”.

In a statement published on their official Facebook account, Sticky Fingers explained they were “disappointed”.

“We would like to thank the event for having us on the bill along with such an impressive line-up, but we have decided that the perpetrated negativity from a small pocket of the music industry that has been aimed at us through this period needs to be quarantined so it doesn’t affect other innocent parties,” the band’s statement read.

“We hope everyone will still go to This That and have a tip top time. The line-up is great.”

This That organisers also commented on the band’s withdrawal from the 2018 line-up, explaining it was a mutual decision by both parties to have Sticky Fingers “refrain from performing”.

“Sticky Fingers agreed with This That from the start that if their inclusion began to impact negatively on the other artists performing and our Newcastle and wider communities that it would be best if they refrain from performing,” the statement from the This That team said. “That’s the decision we have both taken today.”

“This That’s top priority is the safety and well-being of both its artists and attendees and the festival team do not condone abuse of any kind.”

Read more: This That 2017 in photos

Festival organisers also stated they were “thrilled” to have the current line-up of artists attend the Wickham Park venue on Saturday, November 3.

Alongside US producer RL Grime, the line-up still boasts Illy, Amy Shark, The Rubens, GoldLink and SAFIA, as well as a host of other bands, musicians and producers.

Organisers have also confirmed they will be “aiming to announce a replacement for Sticky Fingers as soon as possible”. The new act will be announced alongside the festival’s final artist announcement.

This That festival organisers also revealed there will be a refund system available for those who had purchased tickets with the intention of seeing the now-withdrawn band, open until 5pm on Friday, July 6.