Disappointed fans booed Pete Doherty and his band The Libertines last night, at the O2 Academy in Bristol (February 24,) after the show was cancelled at short notice.
Gig goers had already made their way to the venue in their droves, stocking up on pints from the bar and nabbing a good spot among the crowd. The Libertines were supposed to be supported by two acts before their own set time of around 9pm but the second act, due to perform at around 8pm, never made it onto the stage and, instead, their instruments and equipment were removed.
Shortly after, at about 8:30pm, a message was put out through the venue's speakers saying that "due to illness" the Libertines would no longer be performing and that those in attendance should "hold on to their tickets" and await further instruction. Fans were left holding their drinks (some had forked out for two pints) and wondering what was going to happen next.
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Before the support acts' equipment was removed from the stage, those fans stood near to the doors heading towards the dressing room said they heard team members asking "what's happened" before rushing backstage "in a panic".
It wasn't before the venue music was stopped and the message relayed over the speakers, however, that others began to realise what was going on. The crowd then started to 'boo' as security staff at the O2 Academy began scrambling around to assess the situation and get people to leave, all while the band's own instruments, equipment and even merch was removed and taken away.
A group of fans stood by the doors to the left of the stage were left feeling "disappointed". Some of them had just forked out money for multiple drinks and were "worried" they now wouldn't be able to leave the venue with them. Fans began describing what was happening as being "a shambles" and demanded to be given refunds for parking, drinks and other expenses.
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The Libertines gig had already been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and so gig-goers were disheartened they wouldn't be able to see them perform once again.
Some began throwing their drinks into the crowd, while one man towards the front of the stage was "egging others on to boo" and more still were heard asking "how can you all of a sudden just be ill, 30 minutes before your gig?"
For a time, fans seemed to linger in front of the stage, asking various security and even roadies just what was going on, but nobody seemed to know. Fans suggested that the support act be allowed to play to "keep fans spirits up" but all were swiftly told to make their way to the nearest exits.
Following the cancellation, both The Libertines and Pete Doherty shared the following message on their social media channels, captioned with breaking heart emojis: "A doctor has been called to assess Peter's condition tonight after he developed a high fever and shortness of breath.
"Thankfully, he has tested negative for Covid-19, but has been diagnosed with a respiratory infection which requires immediate treatment. "Unfortunately, he has been advised not to perform tonight under any circumstances, which was not a decision taken lightly, and he remains under close observation with the doctor. Further updates tomorrow afternoon with regard to the weekend's shows."
The Libertines are expected to perform in London tonight and tomorrow night (February 25 and 26) at the O2 Forum Kentish Town. O2 Academy Bristol also shared the message, while tweeting: "Your ticket agent - that's who you booked through - will contact you directly with further information. Sending our sincere apologies for any inconvenience and all our love to Peter and the #libertines".
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