Madonna Abu Dhabi concert delays blamed on technical issues
The firm behind Madonna’s Abu Dhabi gigs has issued a statement regarding the delays in the start of the concerts.
FLASH Entertainment said: “Following recent reports in the media, FLASH Entertainment and Live Nation would like to acknowledge that the Madonna concerts at the du Arena, Yas Island began slightly later than some fans expected.
“Whilst show times were never publicised, we do appreciate that many fans expected Madonna to take the stage between 9.30 and 10pm on both nights.
“Unfortunately, over the course of the weekend, a series of unforeseen technical issues resulted in slight delays to rehearsals and performance times. We hope that concert goers can appreciate that with events of this scale, occasionally, unexpected circumstances can impact on plans.
“FLASH Entertainment would like to thank the many thousands of fans who have flown in from all over the world for what has been two truly memorable nights and we wish to thank everyone for their support and understanding.”
A number of readers contact 7DAYS and posted comments on the websites
and
However, others also praised the concerts.
Comments
by snapboy
Wednesday, June 06 2012, 10:06AM
“Every concert has technical difficulties of some sort or another to overcome, however, this cannot be used by the organisers to explain away their shortcomings and sheer lack of foresight. Although there was no guaranteed start time given, we were, as early entry ticket holders, told to arrive between 4:00 p.m. and (not later than) 6:15 p.m. when we would be admitted early access. Instead of there being a separate line for early ticket holders, we were required to stand in the same line as Golden Circle and VIP ticket holders. The folly of this was pointed out to one of the organisers who simply said she was aware of this but she was the person who would handle it. When the single gate was finally opened at close to 7:00 p.m. and the expected chaos ensued with a mass of different ticket holders all trying to squeeze through a single access way, the very same organiser was overheard saying out loud to a colleague "This is ridiculous!" I couldn't have agreed more. Leaving the venue was no better with not a single taxi rank being set up and tired concert goers left to their own devices to walk aimlessly around the streets trying desperately to flag down the sporadic taxi. I thought the Shakira concert a few years back at the Dubai Autodrome set the low mark in failed concert organisation. Unfortunately, that mark has now been surpassed by Flash.”
by dxbgal
Tuesday, June 05 2012, 8:54PM
“I have never attended a Flash concert coz I cant be bothered to go all the way to Abu Dhabi but judging from readers reviews I am gonna do the following should I choose to go next time:
Wear flats
Drink water before I go and keep water in the car
Carry a book or mp3
Carry a handheld fan
Stuff myself before I go so I don't have to pay inflated prices for food and drinks
Leave well before the last song”
by NewCrunch
Tuesday, June 05 2012, 6:02PM
“Did I mention that they are totally shameless?? they did not even offer an apology.”
by NewCrunch
Tuesday, June 05 2012, 6:01PM
“I just love the spin they put on this: it's all because of the fans bacuse they were expecting the show at a particular times and no times were announced. These organizers are creeps to say the least.”
by CSSSC
Tuesday, June 05 2012, 3:49PM
“"Technical Issues" my foot - tell us another one. Very easy to hide behind these two words for your inefficiencies.”
by CSSSC
Tuesday, June 05 2012, 3:46PM
“If the Concert Organizers do not get their act together, the only answer is NOT TO GO - that should teach them a lesson, but I think that will not happen as there are too many CRAZY people not only here, but everywhere.”
by Mushief
Tuesday, June 05 2012, 1:35PM
“It wasn't just the late start time that was an issue. I do not understand why they make concert goers walk so far, why not give an option of some transport. we walked for almost 30 minutes to get to our car after standing for 3 hours waiting for the concert to start and watching the concert. It should be more accessible to everyone. young kids can't do the walk nor the elderly. I find it very badly 'organised' - for a venue that has such great names appearing a little more consideration for the concert goers would be appreciated.”