Zach Bryan is speaking out after being “forced” to cancel a concert.
The “Something in the Orange” singer, who is currently on his “With Heaven on Tour,” took to Instagram Friday to announce that night’s concert in Tulsa, Oklahoma, would be canceled due to “dangerous” weather conditions.
Addressing his statement to his “fellow Oklahomans,” Bryan wrote, “I am being forced by my team to cancel the show tonight due to the threat of extreme and dangerous weather.
“I’ve never canceled a show in my life but I unfortunately don’t have a choice in the matter.”
He told his fans that refunds for ticket purchases would be issued automatically, and noted that Saturday’s show, scheduled for the same venue in Tulsa, is “still set to proceed as planned.”
Bryan then shared a more personal sentiment on the cancellation, writing, “5 years of touring I’ve never cancelled a headlining show. I pissed off plenty people this morning trying to ‘play anyways,’” referencing a song on his latest album, “With Heaven on Top.”
“If I had ANY say in this, things would be different. I apologize and I love all of ya,” he added.
To prove that he didn’t have a say in it, Bryan shared a screenshot of a text from someone on his team who told him, “I know you’re gonna hate me for this, but we have no choice but to cancel the show.
“I just had a meeting with the police, school, and the meteorologists and the consensus is that we would be putting people’s safety at risk by trying to put on the show.”
The person added information on the weather forecast, showing that severe storms were predicted and that those storms could cause tornadoes.
A short response from Bryan was visible in the screenshot: “Are you kidding.”
Many of his fans were critical of the choice to cancel, with some arguing that the show should have been rescheduled or postponed instead, and others saying that the call should have been made earlier.
“What is most disappointing is that you didn’t notify ticket holders until 2 pm that show was cancelled despite no change in weather forecast,” one person wrote.
“Too late for those that drove 4 hours for the show and paid for hotel.”
Rising country artist Sam Stinson threw his two cents in, commenting, “I love he stages this screenshot and responds with are you kidding me as to try to trick the fans into thinking he actually gives af.”
Another country star, Tyler Childers, showed his support to Bryan, writing, “Better safe then sorry brother.”
“Oklahoma weather is no joke,” a fan noted. “I’m sure it’s a tough pill to swallow for everyone, but Mother Nature calls the shots here. Be safe.”
