Fans have been left angry, confused and disappointed as tour venues are refusing to issue refunds for tickets sold for Ryan Adams’ UK Tour. Adams’ had been scheduled to play 8 dates across the UK and Ireland this March and April ,but following allegations of sexual assault and an ongoing FBI investigation into his behaviour, fans have been left refusing to support the artist and demanding refunds. These demands however have so far been rejected by venues and promoters.
Got a very delayed and similarly disappointing response from @TicketmasterIre on this. Poor form on all accounts. Read the room, solidarity for abuse does not fly.
Ryan Adams UK Tour Going Ahead as Ticketholders Demand Refunds https://t.co/VgOmmX8nwY via @pitchfork
— Niamh Ni Dhomhnaill (@Niamh_Ni_D) February 27, 2019
In an email from See Tickets which was sent to a customer the organisation said “The event is still going ahead, and therefore in line with our agreed terms and conditions, refunds are not available.” Whilst the ticket providers will argue they are taking a stance of neutrality by doing nothing fans and critics are suggesting this response simply enables Adams’ behaviour and does nothing to deter future incidents in the future.
What leaves me feeling hopeless about @TheRyanAdams UK tour still on as scheduled is that @SJMConcerts, @seetickets, @RoyalAlbertHall and many more are continuing to enable his behavior. — maggie zebs (@tribecalledzebs) February 26, 2019
@seetickets What’s going on with the @TheRyanAdams UK tour. You seriously can’t expect everybody who bought tickets on the day of release, to feel comfortable going to see and in turn support somebody accused of abuse of women including pursuing sex with a minor. Sort this out.
— BrianTMFNT (@BW_GLA) February 26, 2019
Whilst tour promoters are being slow to react and respond to the incidents and the subsequent anger from fans, individual gig venues themselves appear to be distancing themselves from the decision making. A spokesperson for The Royal Albert Hall told the NME “The venue is being hired by a third party promoter SJM for the Ryan Adams concerts. The promoter has advised us that the concerts are still scheduled to go ahead. We are continuing to monitor this situation very closely.”
I’ve contact the @RoyalAlbertHall and apparently they are only “a hall for hire” so they are deferring to the concert promoters. Hate to give my money away but damned if I’ll sit in my seat and applaud.#ryanadams: Fans demand money back ahead of UK tourhttps://t.co/19wO4Qz3a2 — Bernard Murray-Gates (@Kindness58) February 26, 2019
All of this follows the news that Adams’ new album “Big Colors” has been cancelled from it’s scheduled release in April, as the singer is currently under FBI investigation after multiple women accused him of sexual assault, and ‘building a relationship’ with a then aged 14 year old musician via Skype. Adams’ has also had multiple sponsorship and merchandise deals cancelled since then. All of this is leaving fans even more confused as to why venues and ticket providers seem to still be supporting him.
No refund from @TicketmasterUK @SJMConcerts as @TheRyanAdams is going ahead with UK tour despite album being shelved, FBI investigating and 3 gear companies suspending relationships. At least I’m only losing £80 quid, not the love of creating and performing music. — Cassie Jackson (@Cassie_Jackson) February 27, 2019
It is not however all fans who are requesting refunds, with many suggesting this demand is an example of “guilt until proven innocent”. Whilst some fans are willing to support Adams and an openly expressing how they are still looking forward to seeing him on tour.
Guilty until proven innocent. Allegations are more damaging than evidence of guilt in our modern society Ryan Adams: Fans demand money back ahead of UK tour – BBC News https://t.co/ET5qamcoSK
— Divorce Pioneer (@DivorcePioneer) February 26, 2019
I´m looking forward to see you on the Ireland/UK tour! Stay strong! — Johanna (@JohannaVGraf) February 26, 2019
