Janelle Monae Cancels Melbourne Gig Last Minute Due To Illness

Swarms of fans left singer Janelle Monae‘s co-headlining show with NZ star Kimbra at Melbourne’s Forum theatre earlier tonight frustrated and unhappy, after the Kansas singer cancelled her set at the last minute. Following a reported 30-minute wait, a band member revealed that Monae was ill.

According to one fan who attended, Kimbra — who came on stage half an hour late — played for 45 minutes, with no indication given to the crowd that anything had gone wrong. No stage gear was set up during the 30-minute wait, before Monae’s band finally came on stage without the singer in tow.

Music Feeds photographer Samantha Thomson was in attendance and said that the band — who came on 30 minutes prior to their scheduled set — offered no indication that Monae had been taken to hospital. “All that was said is that she had fallen ill and for us to wish her good health,” she said.

One of the band members finally announced that Monae was ill, but according to one fan who spoke to Music Feeds, the member promised that “all of us here will get tickets to the next show at The Plenary.” The member indicated fans will be contacted by Ticketmaster, who handled ticketing for the event, and offered tickets to the Plenary show, which is scheduled to take place on 26th May.

Fans have taken to social media to vent their frustrations over the cancelled performance. Monae herself has not yet issued a statement on the last-minute cancellation. Promoter Live Nation have released their official comment and Kimbra has taken to Twitter to send her “thoughts & prayers.”

It is important to note that according to Ticketmaster’s own purchase page, very few tickets to the Janelle Monae-Kimbra co-headline show at the Plenary remain. The question is now whether fans who purchased tickets for tonight’s cancelled performance will be adequately compensated.

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

Photos by Samantha Thomson

Live Nation Janelle Monae Cancellation Statement

Notice for all ticket purchasers present at the Janelle Monáe and Kimbra show at the Forum Theatre in Melbourne this evening:

As announced by Janelle Monáe’s band on stage, Janelle Monáe has been taken ill at short notice and was unable to perform tonight’s scheduled show.

Ticket purchasers are invited to attend Janelle and Kimbra’s Melbourne show at the Plenary on Monday May 26. All ticket purchasers will be emailed by Ticketmaster on Monday May 19 with ticketing information about the May 26 show.

All purchasers unable to attend the May 26 show are advised to email info@livenation.com.au with ticket purchase details to receive ticket refund information.

Janelle Monae, Kimbra Co-Headline Tour Dates

Friday, 16th May — CANCELLED

Challenge Stadium, Perth

Saturday, 17th May

The Forum, Melbourne

Monday, 19th May

Opera House, Sydney

Tickets: Via Live Nation

Wednesday, 21st May

Convention Centre, Brisbane

Tickets: Via Live Nation

Monday, 26th May

The Plenary, Melbourne

Tickets: Via Live Nation

Let's all lift up our thoughts & prayers for @JanelleMonae. We had a beautiful time playing 4 u 2night & we will be both be back on the…

— Kimbra (@kimbramusic) May 17, 2014

….on the 26th of May to play The Plenary – you are all invited back. Wishing Janelle a speedy recovery & we'll see you again soon. x

— Kimbra (@kimbramusic) May 17, 2014