An iconic rock band’s concert has been canceled due to severe damage at the stadium where they were scheduled to play on Sept. 16.
Global News reports Live Nation officially axed AC/DC’s show at Rogers Stadium in Toronto. The entertainment company said efforts to find potential solutions, including an alternative venue, were not successful.
Kevin Mahoney, the venue’s on-site meteorologist, told CTV News that “a suspected microburst in the area with extreme winds and heavy rainfall made it a 100-year storm for Toronto.” Bleachers were scattered around the stadium and grandstand seating appeared to be partially collapsed.
Live Nation said parts of the stadium will have to be removed and rebuilt.
“Cancelling a concert is never a decision we want to make, and we know how disappointing this will be for all of us who have been looking forward to seeing AC/DC close out our summer season,” said Wayne Zronik, president of business operations for Live Nation Canada. “Safety has to come first. Our teams have been working closely with the City and our partners to understand the storm damage and what needs to happen next. The right decision is to take the time to remove and rebuild the affected parts of the stadium to ensure it is ready to welcome fans next summer.”
Fans who purchased tickets through Ticketmaster will automatically receive a refund to their original method of payment, Live Nation said.
According to Global News, city inspectors had slapped the concert promoter with a violation notice after ordering them to close the site down, hire an engineer to inspect the venue, and urgently work on repairs. The decision to cancel the concert was made hours after an engineer’s report was delivered to the City of Toronto.
AC/DC is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group and one of the best-selling artists of all time with songs like “Back in Black,” “Thunderstruck,” “Highway to Hell,” “T.N.T.” and “You Shook Me All Night Long.” The current lineup features lead guitarist Angus Young, singer Brian Johnson, drummer Phil Rudd, bassist Cliff Williams and guitarist Stevie Young.
Tickets for upcoming AC/DC tour dates, including Sept. 25 at MetLife Stadium and Sept. 29 at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field, are available via Vivid Seats and StubHub.