Call for refunds after fire drama at Alt-J gig
MUSIC fans are calling for refunds after claiming Bridgewater Hall staff told them a gig was cancelled following a fire.
Indie band Alt-J were forced to delay their set on Sunday night by about an hour after a small fire broke out at the Lower Mosley Street venue just as the group were about to go on stage.
The venue was evacuated while firefighters put out the blaze and cleared the hall of smoke.
Mercury Prize-winning Alt-J eventually took to the stage at about 10.30pm. But some fans claim they were told by staff at the venue that the gig had been cancelled and left before it started.
And others raised concerns about security, claiming fans were let back into the venue without ticket or bag checks taking place.
Lee Howarth tweeted: “Are you going to advise about refunds then?
“I was told that the gig wasn’t going to happen by a member of staff so came home. I’m so p ***** off right now.”
Baz tweeted: “Security for tonight’s gig was poor. Tickets and coats weren’t checked on the door. Lucky it was only a fire and not something a lot worse. All in all the situation was incorrectly dealt with, rescheduling the gig would have been a better idea.
“Myself and many others had no choice but to leave the gig early to catch the last train home. The gig only started when it should have been finishing. Whole experience was awful, someone should be advising refunds for the inconvenience it brought.”
But lots of others fans praised the band, venue and firefighters for allowing the show to go on.
Music Fiend tweeted: “You were simply sensational tonight. Awesome performance. Well done guys. You did your fans proud tonight. It was well worth the 1 hour wait in the freezing cold whilst the fire was attended to! So glad you didn’t cancel. Fabulous show.”
Rose Emma Brooke posted: “The absolute beauty of Alt-J at Bridgewater Hall tonight – even after a full-venue evacuation due to a fire. Well done Manchester Fire Service!” And Liam Hagerty tweeted: “Shoutout to @BridgewaterHall for letting @alt_J play a great show even after the building was on fire an hour before.”
The M.E.N. has approached Bridgewater Hall, and the promoters, for comments.