Eurovision Live Tour Scrapped Amid Fan Discontent Over Ticket Costs
The highly anticipated first official Eurovision Song Contest live tour has been abruptly postponed, with organisers confirming that fans will receive full refunds. The tour, which was set to celebrate the contest's 70th anniversary with performances across 10 European cities including London this summer, has been shelved due to what has been described as unforeseen challenges.
Official Statement Cites Unresolved Issues
In a statement released on the official Eurovision website, Martin Green, the director of the Eurovision Song Contest, expressed regret over the decision. He explained that despite concerted efforts from the team, producers, and promoters, certain obstacles could not be overcome. The statement emphasised a commitment to relaunching the tour in the future, ensuring it meets the world-class standards expected by fans.
Green assured ticket holders: "To the thousands of fans who bought tickets, thank you. We will ensure you will be refunded in full as soon as possible." He also reiterated that the focus remains on delivering an exceptional Eurovision Song Contest in May, with the 70th anniversary shows in Vienna expected to attract record audiences and global viewership.
Star-Studded Lineup Now on Hold
The tour was poised to feature a diverse array of performers spanning seven decades of Eurovision history. Alongside 10 competing artists from the current year's edition, the lineup included notable past contestants such as Norway's Alessandra Mele, Australia's Guy Sebastian, and Finnish rockers Lordi. Other confirmed acts were Greece's Helena Paparizou, the UK's Katrina from Katrina and the Waves, Irish legend Johnny Logan, and Ukraine's Verka Serduchka.
Organisers had teased surprise special guests for each city, adding to the excitement. The European Broadcasting Union, which oversees Eurovision, had announced the tour in January, highlighting its blend of contemporary and classic acts.
Tour Itinerary and Future Plans
The Eurovision live tour was scheduled to commence in June in London, with subsequent stops across Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and Denmark, before concluding in Stockholm, Sweden, in July. While the postponement is a setback, organisers have pledged to rearrange the event for a later date, aiming to provide fans with the immersive experience they deserve.
This cancellation follows reports of fan backlash over ticket prices, which may have contributed to the decision. The organisers have not specified the exact nature of the unforeseen challenges, but the move underscores the complexities of staging large-scale international tours in the current entertainment landscape.
