As eyes, throats, and lungs burn amid wildfires raging across swaths of the northeastern United States and southern Canada, a growing list of artists are either postponing or cancelling their concerts due to the hazardous air quality.
The Black Keys were among the musicians postponing their shows. “We’re sorry we won’t get to see y’all in Chicago tonight, but keeping everyone safe is the most important thing,” said the band in a social media post, adding that their concerts had been rescheduled to Oct. 20 and 21. “Hang onto your tickets and we’ll see y’all real soon.” The group said that all current tickets will be honored and the venue will reach out to ticket holders directly.
John Mellencamp‘s concert at Pine Knob Music Theatre on July 16 in southeast Michigan was also postponed. “Following guidance from public health authorities, unfortunately we will not be able to perform our July 16 show in Clarkston, MI at Pine Knob Music Theatre due to poor air quality,” read a statement shared to his Instagram. According to the post, for fans who purchased through Ticketmaster, refunds will be issued automatically; those who purchased from a third-party reseller will need to reach out to their point of purchase.
In New York, Mavis Staples‘ performance at SummerStage in Central Park — which was set to take place on July 16 in the evening — was cancelled due to the unsafe air quality index. While the soul hitmaker’s Instagram account stated that the show might be rescheduled and recommended checking the SummerStage website for updates, nothing has been confirmed at time of publication.
War and Treaty, who had traveled from Nashville to New York for their show at Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park, also cancelled their July 16 show. The husband-and-wife duo broke the news to fans in an Instagram video and in the caption wrote, “We’re heartbroken to share that tonight’s New York City show has been canceled due to the city’s state of emergency related to the ongoing wildfire conditions. We were so looking forward to being with you tonight. Thank you for your understanding. We send our blessings and heart to all the first responders and communities fighting the fires.”
In Minnesota, Creed‘s performance on July 16 was postponed due to “unsafe air conditions resulting from the ongoing Canadian wildfires.” A post on the group’s Instagram said that while “Scott, Mark, Brian and Flip were incredibly excited to perform for the sold-out crowd,” given the harsh environmental conditions and “challenges they create for the band, crew, venue, staff and attendees, the decision has been made to move the performance.” The show was moved to Sept. 5. and tickets for the July 16 performance will be valid on the new date.
