Meat Loaf has cancelled his show at Manchester Arena tonight – citing illnesses with multiple members of the band.
The rock legend’s final tour had already ran into problems when they cancelled the Nottingham concert on Sunday only an hour before it was due to start.
The larger-than-life singer is said to be ‘massively disappointed’ at having to cancel the concert – yet is assuring fans the show will be rescheduled.
The 65-year-old’s Facebook page read: “Unfortunately not all band members have recovered and the doctors have not given us the green light to go ahead with tomorrow’s show as planned. We fully expect the tour to continue on Friday in Sheffield.”
A rescheduled date was promised to be announced in the coming days, with original tickets still valid, and the Nottingham gig has already been set for May 20.
“Meat, the band and crew are massively disappointed to have to postpone a second show and send love and apologies,” the Facebook statement read. “Thank you for understanding.”
Tonight’s gig was part of the Bat Out of Hell singer’s farewell tour ‘Last at Bat’ and was set to feature the iconic 19702 album Bat Out of Hell in full.
Manchester fans reactions to the news varied; most were supportive and wished Meat Loaf – real name Marvin Lee Aday – a speedy recovery, while some voiced their disappointment.
Meat Loaf fan Evie Beattie said: “People can’t help being ill and obviously we wish them all well. However, you can’t disguise the fact that people are going to be angry about the money they have lost, time taken off work and the bitter disappointment of something that they had looked forward to for months or been given as a gift.
“Not everyone can get to the rescheduled dates and they will never get the chance to see Meatloaf again.”
Meanwhile Yevonda Buchele said: “Meat, the band, and the crew. I truly hope you all start feeling better! I know making the decision to postpone a show is hard and it is not something any of you take lightly.”
One fan who had been hoping to see Meat Loaf at the earlier Nottingham gig pointed out that Manchester fan should be appreciative of the notice they got.
“Manchester, you must be gutted, but be glad you have a day’s notice.” Sian Jeffries said. “[I did] an eight hour round trip to see Meat on Sunday for it to be cancelled with an hour’s notice, yet they had time to arrange another date before telling fans, obviously I am still bitter, but in all seriousness I do wish everyone a speedy recovery.”
Picture courtesy of Christopher Simon via Wiki Commons, with thanks.
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