Sting has been forced to cancel a highly anticipated outdoor concert in northern Italy.
Organisers cited severe weather conditions that posed a safety risk to fans, performers, and crew.
The 73-year-old music icon had been scheduled to take the stage on Sunday at Parco Ragazzi del ’99, an open-air venue in the city of Bassano del Grappa.
However, local authorities advised against going ahead with the performance after forecasters warned of thunderstorms, high winds, and the potential for lightning.
‘The mayor of Bassano del Grappa wisely said it would have been too dangerous for the performance to take place with the possibility of lightning and extremely high winds last night,’ Sting told fans via a statement on social media.
‘The safety of my audience, band and crew is paramount. I promise we will return as soon as we can.’
The decision was met with support from disappointed concertgoers, many of whom praised Sting and the event organisers for putting safety first.
The cancelled Italian show follows a challenging start to the year for the former Police frontman, who was forced to postpone several U.S. tour dates in January due to illness.
At the time, Sting shared that he was recovering from a throat infection, thanking fans for their patience and support.
‘Thanks so much for all of the well wishes,’ he wrote in a January 22 update.
‘I am steadily improving from a temporary throat infection which has prevented me from singing, though I’m looking forward to resuming my performances and rescheduled shows soon. Love, Sting.’
A spokesperson confirmed that, on doctors’ advice, Sting had also withdrawn from the Bass Magazine Awards and postponed his STING 3.0 concerts in Phoenix, Wheatland, and the Cherrytree Music Company’s 20th anniversary event. Fans were advised to hold onto their tickets, which would be valid for the new dates.
While no new date has yet been announced for the cancelled Bassano del Grappa show, fans remain hopeful that Sting’s promise to return will be fulfilled soon.
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