Elton John cancels Helsinki Arena gig at short notice

Singer had laryngitis and bronchitis; 10,000 tickets to be refunded

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Elton John cancelled the Helsinki date of his Red Piano Tour at short notice on Monday, after it became clear he had not recovered from the ill-health that had apparently already affected his performance in Copenhagen on Saturday.
      The singer-pianist was said to be suffering from laryingitis and bronchitis, and sources reported that every effort had been made to get him in shape for the Helsinki Arena gig, but to no avail.
     
The cancellation came so late that the artist's staff were in Helsinki and the arena staging had already been practically completely erected, and it naturally also meant that some fans had made the trip to the capital from farther afield, only to be disappointed.
      Around 10,000 tickets had been sold.
      The nature of these things is that it is hard or even impossible to reschedule dates in a crowded tour programme, and so ticket-holders will have to get a refund from Lippupalvelu/TicketMaster.
     
It is by no means unheard-of for concerts to be cancelled through ill-health - only some weeks ago American singer-songwriter Randy Newman cancelled his entire European tour, including a first-ever visit to Helsinki, citing chronic back problems.
      However, it is relatively unusual that the news comes so late in the day that fans actually turn up at the venue, as happened on Monday.
      Reportedly the promoters Live Nation are negotiating with insurers over possible compensation for punters who have travelled specifically for the concert, for instance by air.


Links:
  EltonJohn.com

Helsingin Sanomat