Fans disappointed after Billy Ocean gig cancelled
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EFFORTS are being made to reschedule soul legend Billy Ocean’s Inverness performance after his concert was called off minutes before the doors were due to open.
The 68-year-old failed to recover from a throat infection, forcing organiser Live in the City to pull the plug on the Sunday evening event at Inverness Leisure.
Hundreds of people were expected at the gig, where Scooty and the Skyhooks were also set to take the stage.
More details of a new date are expected to be announced this week. There has been no information about refunds.
In an emotional video posted on his official Facebook page, in which he struggled to speak, the Trinidad-born icon apologised to fans and vowed to return to the Highlands when he has recovered.
"I’m sorry I had to cancel but I lost my voice and I knew within myself that I wouldn’t be able to put on a good show," he said.
"I feel disappointed in myself more than anything else.
"However, we are going to reschedule so I look forward to seeing you all in the near future."
The news of the cancellation prompted a mixed reaction from fans on social media, with some questioning the timing of the announcement, which came as some revellers were already waiting to get into the venue.
Many concert-goers expressed their frustration after booking accommodation and transport to the Highland capital.
However, many others backed the star, who waited as long as possible in an attempt to recover.
A Live in the City spokeswoman said: "We’re extremely sorry that Billy Ocean’s concert at Inverness Leisure had to be cancelled at short notice.
"Unfortunately, Billy took ill shortly before the show was due to start.
"Since Sunday evening we have been working with Billy’s management team and the venue to reschedule the show. We will inform all ticket holders in the next 48 hours of a revised date.
"We apologise again to those who were left disappointed and want to reassure them that we are doing everything we can to reschedule the show."
