What should have been an immersive experience with one of the world’s most celebrated guitarists has ended in shambles, with ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons cancelling the remainder of his Australian tour following outrage from fans claiming they were “ripped off”.
Announced last month, Billy Gibbons’ Australians shows were advertised as an “up close and personal” evening with the famed rocker. Accompanied by close friend and hot-rod builder Jimmy Shine, the evening was supposed to consist of classic songs and stories from Gibbons’ life and career. However, according to numerous concertgoers, what they received was a disaster.
Numerous fans took to the Facebook page of Anita’s Theatre in Thirroul, where Gibbons’ Friday and Saturday night shows took place, to express their disappointment at the lack of music and high ticket prices, leading to the venue issuing an apology for the performance and distancing themselves from the event.
“It was a fundraiser, and thus should have been advertised as one,” wrote one Facebook user, while another simply summed it up by saying “A total waste of time and money.” Others noted the fact that Gibbons only performed four songs at the performance, with two of those songs being ZZ Top’s classic hit ‘La Grange’.
Despite this, the tour continued on, where it hit Newcastle’s Civic Centre last night. However, things didn’t seem get any better, with some fans reporting the fact that bottles were thrown at the stage in disappointment.
“Feeling ripped off,” wrote Facebook user Mark Taylor on the promoter’s page. “A small handful of songs and a number of half answered audience questions from Billy. As my dad and I walked out, amongst bottles being thrown at the stage at the end, there was nothing but negative comments heard from ALL who viewed this short show.”
Now, as The Music reports, the remainder of Billy Gibbons’ Aussie tour has been cancelled, with the tour promoters announcing the news via Facebook.
“Due to unexpected circumstances Billy F Gibbons has ended the Australian tour early,” The Brewer Brother’s Car’s, Guitar’s & Bar’s’ Facebook account posted. “Please check back here for further imformation shortly.”
Earlier today, a Facebook user posted a recap to the Ticketmaster Facebook page, stating that Gibbons had walked offstage after just 45 minutes of the 2 hour, 10 minute performance. “People were just getting into the performance and interaction when Mr Gibbons abruptly departed the stage, leaving the audience stunned,” stated Alison Crocker.
“If there was an issue Mr Gibbons had the microphone in his hand and all he had to do was tell us. As it was he played 2.5 songs (as he cut the last one short). Official run time was meant to be 2 hours 10 minutes but we got 45 minutes and that included a 15 minute intermission.”
As Fairfax noted, police were called to the venue last night just after 10pm for “unorderly behaviour”, but it’s unknown just what the issue was exactly.
While one fan took to The Brewer Brother’s Car’s, Guitar’s & Bar’s’ Facebook to note that Gibbons seemed under the weather at last night’s performance, it’s unclear whether or not an actual illness was to blame for the remainder of the tour’s cancellation, or if it is due to fan backlash.
Fans are advised to keep an eye out for word on refunds for Gibbons’ Brisbane performance, which was scheduled to take place tomorrow night.
Billy Gibbons’ ‘Up Close & Personal’ Australian Tour 2018
Friday, January 5th
Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul, NSW
Saturday, January 6th
Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul, NSW
Wednesday, January 10th
Newcastle Civic Centre, Newcastle, NSW
Friday, January 12th
Eaton’s Hill Hotel, Brisbane, QLD
