Lionel Richie is receiving flak for canceling his concert at the Madison Square Garden last Saturday, an hour after it was supposed to start.
Earth, Wind and Fire were also supposed to support Richie on his show in front of the packed 20,000-strong audience at Madison Square Garden.
Lionel Richie Canceled MSG Concert
According to a Tweet that Richie posted 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 13, 2023, he couldn't land in New York because of severe weather conditions, an hour after it was supposed to start.
"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," he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, fans were not happy at all with his last-minute decision to fly to New York.
"Sounds like bad planning on your part @LionelRichie, trying to fly in at the last minute. I'll take a refund please - no thx to Monday!" a fan pointed out.
Many of the fans who took to Twitter/X voiced out their frustrations and even doubted Richie's reasoning, saying the weather seemed to be okay at the time.
"Press team lies. What actually happened? Nobody flies in late and blames weather. 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 now miss it. What's the real, substantial and genuine reason?" someone asked.
Some even complained about spending more than $4,000 for hotel, airfare, and tickets, only to be rescheduled.
"We bought our parents good seats for a lot of money for their 50th wedding anniversary. They're 75 and were really looking forward to tonight's show. Thanks for ruining the gift we got for them," another complained.
Lionel Richie MSG Concert Rescheduled
Despite the massive backlash, Lionel Richie has rescheduled his concert today, Aug. 14, 2023.
However, it was not yet revealed if refunds for people who could not be able to attend the rescheduled dates are being offered.
Since his last statement, Lionel Richie has not yet addressed his fans.
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