Some concertgoers are disappointed that Adele has postponed her Las Vegas residency - just a day before it is due to start. But according to an industry expert, a last minute event change in the pandemic could be the new norm.
The singer, in a tearful video on Thursday, attributed the delay to a Covid outbreak among her crew members and the holdup with the delivery.
She explained that her team "tried their best to put it together on time and that may be good enough for you, but we are completely devastated by delivery delays and COVID."
Adele said the dates for the show, which runs on weekends through April, will be rescheduled. But the decision to put a halt to performances came too late for some ticket holders.
"I'm on the plane to my hotel Vegas RN booked for tomorrow's opening night. You should know the show wasn't ready yesterday. Yes, covid, but you can cancel things 3 days b4. 26 It's cruel to wait hours until the first show. Wasted flight and hotel money!!"
Another person commented that she won't be able to make another trip when the show is rescheduled.
"I took off yesterday. Not really an option to spare the time and money to come back whenever it's rescheduled."
A concertgoer traveling from Australia said she was "heartbroken."
Yep. I flew in yesterday. Don’t really have the option to drop the time and money to come back again whenever it’s rescheduled
— Amy Campbell (@amymcam) January 21, 2022
"Yesterday I traveled all the way from Sydney Australia to see @Adele in Vegas. I spent thousands of dollars on this trip and now it canceled the night before. Too unprofessional and I'm heartbroken. Did I Instead m&g passes can be found for PLAY."
I traveled all the way from Sydney Australia to see @Adele tomorrow in Vegas. I spent thousands of dollars on this trip and now she canceled the night before. Very unprofessional and I am heartbroken. Can I get m&g passes for PLAY instead @ResortsWorldLV @katyperry pic.twitter.com/WtNXQkx9IT
— - (@loveinthebrain) January 20, 2022
comScore Media analyst Paul Dergarbadian told CNN that the consequences of postponing a concert, especially in Las Vegas, are far-reaching.
"Las Vegas is a destination and not a home base for most fans, for whom a trip to Vegas becomes an event in itself," he said. "[Coming to the show] represents a huge investment of time, money, and effort. Thus the cancellation of any show, especially at the eleventh hour, is a big deal."
DeGrabedian said it's difficult to do live events right now.
"In the Covid-era, pulling off a major Vegas show is no small feat, amidst all the uncertainty including health concerns for fans, talent and crew," he said. "It involves external factors previously unimaginable."
He added that canceled concerts could be another part of our new normal.
“Cancellations and postponements could be a common occurrence for the entertainment industry, at least in the near term,” he said.
Some ticket holders who had already traveled for this weekend's performance are still trying to make the best of the situation, suggesting an outdoor gathering of Adele fans.
“I believe Joe is already in #Vegas at the Colosseum entrance tomorrow 1/21/22 at 8 p.m. We start with hold on. If you have a speaker, please bring it Stream live if you can."
I believe that the ones that are already in #Vegas Tomorrow 1/21/22 at 8pm at the Colosseum entrance. We start with Hold On. If you have a speaker, please bring it. Live stream if you can. #adele #Adele30 #WeLoveYouAdele #CaesarsPalace #WeekendsWithAdele
— 🖤 Ayrton 🖤 (@Ayrton_Castle) January 21, 2022