An enormous fatberg in central Perth has forced a Bryan Adams concert to be cancelled after authorities raised concerns that sewage may back up at the venue’s toilets.
Adams was due to perform at the Western Australian capital’s RAC Arena on Sunday night, but the city’s water corporation said a “large blockage of fat, grease and rags” was causing wastewater overflows at nearby properties, prompting authorities to intervene.
Frontier Touring posted a statement on Monday announcing the cancellation, and that attendees will receive an automatic refund in full.
“Last night’s concert could not proceed due to an external Perth Water Corporation issue, which was unable to be fixed in time. The issue, which impacted all of Wellington Street, meant that it was deemed unsafe for patrons to enter RAC Arena.”
“The cancellation of (the) show is bitterly disappointing, and we thank fans for their understanding that while every effort was made for the show to proceed, this matter was outside of the control of Bryan Adams, Frontier Touring and RAC Arena.”
Crowds had waited for hours for the concert, with pictures on social media showing masses of people outside the venue and complaints online that they had been left without an update.
The support act, James Arthur, was scheduled to take the stage about 7.45pm, before Adams at 9pm.
A text message sent at about 7:15pm said the concert had been delayed, and then a second message at about 7:35pm said doors had to remain closed.
“Due to an external Water Corporation issue, doors continue to remain closed for the time being. All efforts are being made to resolve this issue. We will continue to keep you informed,” it said.
At around 9pm, a final message confirmed that the concert was delayed “due to an external Water Corporation water supply issue which could not be resolved.”
“All existing ticketholders will be notified of an update as soon as possible and need not take any action at this time.”
A late-night update from the Water Corporation posted on Facebook explained the cancellation and advised people to avoid contact with “pooled water” in Wellington Street, which runs alongside the venue, as it may be sewage.
“As a priority, Water Corporation 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 alert said.
“Acting on public health advice from Department of Health, the Bryan Adams concert at RAC Arena this evening was cancelled due to the risk of sewage backing up within the venue toilets.”
Frustrated concertgoers took to comments on the Facebook post, with many complaining about the lack of earlier updates.
“Yeah thanks for telling us 3 HOURS after the event and 3 hrs after we stood in a queue ! Pathetic,” one commenter said.
“Terrible service!! An international popstar like Bryan Adams comes to Perth and this is what happens,” another said.
“Bryan Adams: Please forgive me, it’s the summer of sh*ts & urine.”
