A massive fatberg led to the cancellation of Bryan Adams’ concert in Western Australia on Sunday night after authorities warned that it could cause the venue’s toilets to overflow, creating a potential health hazard.
The sold-out concert at Perth’s RAC Arena was called off just hours before Adams was set to perform as part of his “So Happy It Hurts” tour, leaving thousands of fans disappointed. Crews worked urgently to clear pools of water near the venue.
The Water Corporation explained that their team was working to clear a large blockage of fat, grease, and rags that had caused several wastewater overflows near the arena. They advised people to avoid any standing water as it could contain sewage.
Adams expressed his regret for the last-minute cancellation on Facebook, apologizing to fans and promising to return for a rescheduled show. He thanked fans for their understanding and support, looking forward to performing for them as soon as possible.
Show organizers have promised ticket holders refunds, explaining that the cancellation was beyond their control.
In a Facebook post on Monday, booking agent Frontier Touring clarified that the concert couldn’t go ahead due to an issue with the Perth Water Corporation, which couldn’t be resolved in time. The problem was considered a safety risk for patrons, leading to the decision to cancel the show at RAC Arena.
They expressed their disappointment over the cancellation and thanked fans for their understanding, emphasizing that despite all efforts to make the show happen, the situation was out of the hands of Bryan Adams, Frontier Touring, and the RAC Arena.
The explanation came too late for many frustrated concertgoers, who were left waiting outside the venue for hours before learning the show had been canceled.
One Facebook commenter shared their frustration, saying it was clear by early afternoon that something serious was wrong. “Disgraceful to make people stand outside the venue for hours before making the decision,” they wrote. Another user described the scene as “devastating,” pointing out that 15,000 people were left waiting on the streets.
Bryan Adams is next scheduled to perform in Sydney on Wednesday, with additional shows planned in Brisbane and Melbourne before the tour heads to the United States next month.
Fatbergs—blockages made of fat, grease, and non-biodegradable materials—form over time when these items are improperly flushed or washed down drains. They can cause significant disruptions to sewer systems. For example, in 2021, a massive 330-ton fatberg caused weeks of problems in Birmingham, UK, when it clogged the city’s sewer system.
