Sam Smith fans were left 'fuming' and 'gutted' on Wednesday night (May 24) after their performance was suddenly cancelled four songs in, as thousands at the sold out show were told to leave.
It had all started off so well at the AO Arena gig, with the 'Unholy' hitmaker even teasing a 'surprise' as part of the performance on social media hours before.
But after four songs, fans reported the lights went dark for around 20 minutes, with speculation there had been a 'power cut' before the huge crowds were informed the show had been cancelled due to reported 'vocal issues'
READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community
One fan, who was at the gig with friends and his husband, told the M.E.N: "Sam came out and everyone was screaming and getting into it. They dedicated their show to Tina Turner and told us they had a surprise for us.
"Little did we no the surprise was them not coming back on stage. First it was an issue which would be sorted in two minutes, then about 25 minutes later we were told to go home. What a let down.
"Someone came on and said they were sorry but they have had to cancel the show due to vocal issues. Some people had booked hotels and everything it’s a joke."
Fans took to social media amid the confusion, before videos and pictures of thousands leaving the arena emerged on Twitter once it had been cancelled, with some saying they were 'fuming' and 'gutted'.
@SnowyZoex was among those writing: "Well all was going great at the Sam smith concert until urm… they cancelled it after 4 songs… FUMING!!"
Another person at the show said: "Genuinely had no idea what happened. They went off after four songs for a costume change, then there was some stuff on the screen followed by an announcement over the speaker saying there were technical issues and directing people to the foyer and they put the lights back on."
A third told the M.E.N: "They opened with a song, did a speech thanking Manchester and dedicating the show to Tina Turner. Did three more songs with Too Good at Goodbyes being last. They left the stage immediately after the song finished with the entire band and backing singers.
"The stage was empty for about five minutes and then the intercom came on with saying there was a temporary issue that they were working to resolve. Another 10 or so minutes passed and then the final PA comes on saying the gig was cancelled due to Sam's voice."
On social media, @SJFT88 tweeted: "Very unhappy fans here and the atmosphere has turned sour" as @LukeTylerMusic1 posted: "I’m sorry but the excuse to cancel tonight’s show in Manchester 20 mins in just wasn’t good enough your fans have spent their time and hard earned money to come and see you. You can’t go from singing immaculately to not being able to sing at all in the space of two mins."
@RachPayne88 wrote: "Gutted Sam Smith show has been cancelled after 4 songs. Truly devastating it was on its way to being an amazing show" as @HXTWASABI added: "WELL sam smith got cancelled. 4 songs in and we had to leave im FUMING."
Sam Smith later confirmed in an Instagram post the concert was cancelled due to issues with their vocals. Read here.
AO Arena have been contacted for information.
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
