Recording artist Lionel Richie infuriated fans on Saturday night when he postponed a sold-out concert in New York City one hour after the show was scheduled to begin.
“Due to severe weather and being unable to land in the NY and surrounding areas, I’m unable to make it to the show tonight. I’m so bummed,” the singer shared on X. “We are rescheduling the show to Monday Aug 14. Can’t wait to perform for you all. Tickets for tonight’s show are valid for the show on Monday.”
Due to severe weather and being unable to land in the NY and surrounding areas, I’m unable to make it to the show tonight. I’m so bummed. We are rescheduling the show to Monday Aug 14. Can’t wait to perform for you all. Tickets for tonight’s show are valid for the show on Monday.
— Lionel Richie (@LionelRichie) August 13, 2023
Fans were furious not just with the news but also with the timing.
“Press team lies. What actually happened? Nobody flies in late and blames weather,” one concertgoer replied. “Weather was A OK. We are a group of 12 and so disappointed but not as disappointed as the tourists and fans who made plans around the gig and wil [sic] now miss it. What’s the real, substantial and genuine reason?”
Another account posted, “Sounds like bad planning on your part [Lionel Richie], trying to fly in at the last minute. I’ll take a refund please – no thx to Monday!”
“When the ‘weather excuse’ feels cloudier than the actual sky… Why no heads-up before we crammed the auditorium? C’mon press team, all of us and countless fans are waiting for the real story,” a third chimed in.
“You had us sit in the Garden for an hour when you knew in advance you wouldn’t make it. Refund the tickets… forget the double parking, car service and travel costs to attend on Monday and we will call it even,” another complained.
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Richie did a show Friday night in Boston and was scheduled to appear with Earth, Wind, & Fire on Sunday. The last-minute rescheduling forced the band to push back the show they had scheduled for Monday night in Connecticut. It also meant a planned appearance by former New York Yankees slugger Derek Jeter, who was set to host a fundraiser for his charity in conjunction with the show, wouldn’t happen.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Earth, Wind & Fire concert scheduled for Monday, August 14th at Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport has been rescheduled to Wednesday, August 16th. All tickets purchased for original date will be honored. Because of prior commitment for Wednesday, Derek Jeter will no longer be able to attend the rescheduled date,” Earth, Wind & Fire shared on Instagram.