Melbourne’s Bushfire Relief Gig Cancelled After Miley Cyrus Pulls Out Due To Coronavirus Fears
"To reduce potential health risks in response to the current global health crisis, we are no longer traveling to Australia for the show."
Melbourne’s Bushfire Relief concert has been officially cancelled after headliner Miley Cyrus announced she could no longer travel to Australia due to concerns over COVID-19.
“Due to the recommendations of local, state, federal and international government authorities, including the Center for Disease Control, to reduce potential health risks in response to the current global health crisis, we are no longer traveling to Aus for the show,” the popstar wrote on Twitter earlier today.
“I am so disappointed to not be there, but I have to do what is right to protect the health and safety of my band and crew. I will still be making a donation to help the victims of the Australian bush fire. I’m sorry to miss everyone in Australia, but I will be back soon.”
A short time later, promoters TEG Dainty confirmed that due to Cyrus’ cancellation, the entire concert would not be going ahead.
“We are very sad that Miley Cyrus has announced that she will not be travelling to Melbourne and as a result the World Tour Bushfire Relief concert at Lakeside Stadium on Friday 13th March can no longer go ahead,” they wrote. “Fans will receive a full refund and contacted by Ticketek shortly.”
We are very sad that @MileyCyrus has announced that she will not be travelling to Melbourne and as a result the World Tour Bushfire Relief concert at Lakeside Stadium on Friday 13th March can no longer go ahead. Fans will receive a full refund and contacted by Ticketek shortly.
— TEG DAINTY (@TEGDAINTY) March 10, 2020
Lil Nas X, the Veronicas, and Seb Fontaine were also scheduled to perform at the gig.
The announcement comes just days after organisers for Austin’s SXSW confirmed they would be cancelling the 2020 event — marking the first time in 34 years the festival has been called off. It also looks as if Coachella may be postponed due to coronavirus fears, with a number of publications stating that organisers are looking to move the event to October, according to “high level sources”. No official statement has been made by the festival yet.
At home, promoters for Bluesfest have confirmed the festival is proceeding. “All events of a public nature in Australia are proceeding in the Entertainment and Sporting areas, and we look forward to presenting our best Bluesfest yet,” they said in a statement to Music Junkee. “It’s business as usual. We are a fully insured event, and our customers are protected should anything change.”
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