Last week brought disappointing news for Crowded House fans across the country. The beloved Australian rock band was scheduled to kick off their first North American tour in over 10 years with a show in Los Angeles on October 10th. However, just days before the highly anticipated concert, organizers announced that the event was cancelled due to “unforeseen circumstances.”
What led to the cancellation?
According to a statement from the band’s management, the cancellation was necessary “due to illness within the band.” While they did not elaborate further, fans have speculated that frontman Neil Finn may be the one under the weather. The 64-year-old singer has battled health issues in the past, leading to postponed shows and tours. However, no official details have been provided about the specific illness impacting the current tour.
The Los Angeles show was meant to be the kickoff for Crowded House’s first full-scale North American tour since 2010. The trek also included stops in major cities like New York, Toronto, and Chicago. All shows are currently listed as “postponed” while the band recovers and reassesses their next steps.
How have fans reacted?
As expected, the news was met with great disappointment from loyal supporters who had been eagerly awaiting the band’s return. Crowded House boasts many devoted fans across generations, who have supported their music since they first emerged from Australia in the mid 1980s. For some longtime fans, this was meant to be their first chance to see the band perform live.
Many fans took to social media to express their sadness about the cancellations. However, the overwhelming sentiment was well-wishes for the band’s health and encouragement to take the time they need to recuperate before trying to tour again.
“Get well soon, Neil! We can wait as long as you need – the most important thing is that you’re back to full health before going back on the road.”
Still, others remained optimistic that the postponed dates could be rescheduled in the near future once the situation improved:
“Hoping they reschedule these shows soon once everyone is feeling better! Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery.”
Will the tour be rescheduled?
As of now, there is no definite word on if or when the cancelled North American tour dates will be rescheduled. Given the enthusiasm amongst fans, it seems likely that the band will aim to return to complete the tour once circumstances allow.
However, illness and medical issues can be unpredictable. Much will depend on the severity of the health concerns impacting Crowded House members and how long recovery takes. There is a chance that some or all of the dates may ultimately be canceled entirely if a return to the road is not feasible in the near future.
In their statement, the band did say they aim “to return at the earliest opportunity.” This provides hope that Crowded House is not ready to give up on performing in North America just yet. But only time will tell when exactly those “earliest opportunities” may realistically occur.
A look back on Crowded House’s career
While fans await further news on possible tour dates, now is an opportune time to reminisce on Crowded House’s impressive career over the past four decades.
Early days
- Formed in Melbourne, Australia in 1985
- Original line-up consisted of Neil Finn (vocals/guitar), Paul Hester (drums), Nick Seymour (bass)
- Released self-titled debut album in 1986, which produced hit single “Don’t Dream It’s Over”
Mainstream success
- Second album Temple of Low Men released in 1988, went platinum in Australia
- Third album Woodface released in 1991, featured Neil Finn’s brother Tim Finn and had more of a mainstream rock sound
- Had major global hits like “Weather with You,” “Fall at Your Feet,” and “Four Seasons in One Day”
Hiatus and reunions
- Went on hiatus in 1996 after fourth album Together Alone
- Reunited with new drummer Matt Sherrod in 2007 for album Time on Earth
- Released tenth studio album Dreamers Are Waiting in 2021
- Were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2016
Over their rich career, Crowded House has sold over 10 million albums worldwide. Their fusion of pop, rock and folk influences resulted in a signature sound that continues to earn new fans today. The prospect of finally seeing these beloved hits performed live on the recent tour made its cancellation all the more heartbreaking. But the band’s health must come first.
Will fans get refunds for cancelled shows?
One of the top concerns for ticketholders of the cancelled North American concerts is whether they will get refunds. As of now, there is no blanket refund policy in place. Fans are being instructed to reach out to their point of purchase for more information on next steps.
The venue and seller will determine if refunds, credits or exchanges will be offered. Those who purchased tickets through authorized sellers like Ticketmaster will likely have an easier time getting money back. But fans who bought from 3rd party resellers may have a harder time, as those transactions are often final sales.
It’s recommended that anyone holding tickets reaches out proactively to officially request a refund if shows are not being rescheduled. Be prepared to possibly wait several weeks or longer to have refunds processed, as venues handle a high volume of requests.
If shows do end up being rescheduled, existing tickets will typically be valid for the new dates. Ticket holders will likely have the option to request a refund if they cannot attend on the make-up date.
Sample Refund Policies
Venue/Seller | Refund Policy |
---|---|
Ticketmaster | Refunds available for cancelled shows if requested within 30 days |
AXS | Full refunds offered indefinitely for cancelled shows |
StubHub | Refunds dependent on seller’s policy; credits also offered |
Vivid Seats | Guarantees refunds within 3 weeks if event cancelled |
The best advice is to act quickly once the status of your show is confirmed as cancelled. Get the process started right away through the official ticketing avenues. While waiting, periodically check for any updates on potential rescheduling before expiry of refund periods.
What’s next for Crowded House?
While the focus for now remains on rest and recovery, Crowded House likely has big plans ahead once they get back on their feet. Assuming they are eventually able to remount their North American return, what else might the future hold?
New music
2021 saw the release of Crowded House’s first new album in over a decade, Dreamers Are Waiting. The anthemic collection was universally praised by critics and fans. It also spawned several singles that soundtracked the band’s return to the public eye. The momentum was building around the possibility of even more new music emerging from upcoming tours and sessions.
Illness may have temporarily interfered with promotion for the latest album. But there’s hope Crowded House won’t leave fans waiting quite as long next time for fresh tracks. Finn and crew seem creatively reinvigorated lately. So once they’ve recovered, the band could get right back to writing and recording again soon.
Expanded touring
Beyond just making up the postponed North American dates, there’s an expectation that Crowded House will want to expand their live shows globally. Demand remains sky-high to see them perform across Europe, Australia and more. Their cancelled tour was meant to be a launch pad for more extensive global touring over the next few years.
Again, health issues have put a speed bump in those plans for now. But Crowded House likely isn’t ready to hang it up and stop performing altogether.Odds seem good that Finn and the band will embark on a wider world tour once they are physically up for it. The reach of their touring may even extend beyond their original plans if recovery allows.
Hester tribute
Sadly, original drummer Paul Hester passed away in 2005 after leaving Crowded House in 1994. The loss was felt deeply by band members and fans over the years. However, his legacy has lived on through the group’s music.
There’s speculation Crowded House may honor their late co-founder by integrating special tributes into upcoming tours and albums. Dedications to Hester would celebrate his role in shaping their signature sound. Performed live, the moment could help provide closure while cementing Hester’s place in Crowded House history.
Conclusion
The dashed hopes over Crowded House’s cancelled reunion tour have given way to primary concerns for the band’s health. While the timeline for their return remains uncertain, fans cling to optimism that the roadblock is only temporary. Once they’ve fully recuperated, Crowded House seems driven to pick up where they left off – and make up for lost time.
For now, we send our best wishes for comfort and healing to Neil Finn and all the band members. The future is still bright for this treasured group with so much music left to share. When the time is right, Crowded House’s devoted fans around the world will be eagerly waiting, ready to embrace them again.