Live Nation Won’t Budge On Janelle Monae Refunds

Despite the social media backlash that ensued when tour promoters announced to fans their decision to offer refunds of 50 percent for punters at the recent Melbourne Janelle Monae and Kimbra show that was cut short, Live Nation have said they are standing by their policy.

The show in question took place on Saturday, 17th May at Melbourne’s The Forum. Following an opening set from Kimbra and a 30-minute wait, fans inside the venue were informed by Monae’s band that the singer was ill and would not be proceeding with her scheduled set, and that fans would be compensated with tickets to the duo’s next show.

Soon after all remaining dates on the pair’s highly anticipated Golden Electric tour were cancelled due to Monae’s illness. It was reported yesterday that Live Nation had begun contacting ticket-holders to the cancelled shows about refunding their money and that those who attended the 17th May are only eligible for a 50 percent refund.

Complaints about the decision began to filter in on both companies’ Facebook pages, but a spokesperson for Live Nation told theMusic.com.au today that they will be keeping to their previously stated policy.

“Live Nation can confirm that patrons (for the show scheduled at The Forum, Saturday May 17) will receive a refund of 50% of the face value price paid per ticket,” they said, “and 100% of any transaction or handling fee applied by Ticketmaster.”

According to theMusic.com.au, the promoter offered no further update as to Monae’s condition and no insight behind the refund decision. Presumably, the justification for only refunding half the ticket price was that patrons experienced ‘half’ of the show before it was cancelled.

However, some angered punters have complained they were promised a total of three sets, including a final joint performance. “Considering I flew in from a different State just to see Janelle Monae, this is ridiculous that a full refund won’t be offered,” wrote one unhappy ticket-holder on Live Nation Australia’s Facebook page.

Gallery: Kimbra – Melbourne, The Forum 17/05/14

Photos by Samantha Thomson

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