Bryan Adams forced to cancel concert due to 'large blockage of fat, grease and rags'
Water officials say "fat, grease and rags" were blocking sewage in the area of the RAC Arena and were a "potential health risk" - but fans were already beginning to queue at the venue and were unhappy with the timing of the announcement.
Monday 10 February 2025 11:10, UK
A Bryan Adams concert has been cancelled in Australia due to the risk of sewage backing up into the venue's toilets.
The singer-songwriter's performance at the RAC Arena in Perth on Sunday was called off due to a "potential public health risk".
The city's water officials said a "large blockage of fat, grease and rags" was causing several "wastewater overflows" at properties near the venue.
Fans will receive an automatic refund for their tickets, but reacted angrily to the late cancellation, with many taking to social media to complain they were already queuing at the 16,000-capacity venue.
Others asked if they would also be reimbursed for money spent on travel, food and accommodation.
The Water Corporation apologised for the "inconvenience" and said in a statement: "People should avoid contact with any pooled water in the area of Wellington Street, Perth, as it may be sewage following a major blockage on a sewer.
"Our crews are working to clear the large blockage of fat, grease and rags, which has caused several wastewater overflows at properties along Wellington Street.
"The Bryan Adams concert at RAC Arena was cancelled due to the risk of sewage backing up within the venue toilets, posing a potential public health risk."
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The concert promoter said the water issue "was unable to be fixed in time" and called the cancellation "bitterly disappointing".
Frontier Touring added: "The issue, which impacted all of Wellington Street, meant that it was deemed unsafe for patrons to enter RAC Arena."
In a further blow to fans, the promoter said it would be "unable" to reschedule the concert.
Adams is touring Australia and New Zealand with his So Happy It Hurts Tour and is being supported by James Arthur.