Crowds were left furious after a renowned reggae artist failed to turn up to an Easter weekend show. Singer Mikey Spice was set to perform at Trinity Centre on Easter Monday (April 10), which was initially programmed at O2 Academy, as the final act as part of a string of UK shows.
Trinity Centre has apologised to the audiences of the Mikey Spice gig who were left disappointed and frustrated after the performer was a no-show. "We were equally disappointed given that we have a proud history of hosting reggae artists," the venue said in a statement.
Ahead of the Bristol show, reports on social media swirled around the 57-year-old singer giving a poor performance in London. In a video posted on social media on Wednesday (April 12), the singer apologised to his fans for the cancellation of one of four shows, suggesting this was due to losing his voice.
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A ticketholder at the event, who wished to remain anonymous, said they would have left the event early had they known he was due to cancel. The event started at 9pm and was expected to finish at 2am, with many people waiting to see the legendary reggae artist known for 'I Am I Said' and his cover of Barry White's 'Practice What You Preach'.
Speaking to BristolLive, the ticketholder said: "When I'd arrived a friend started telling me there was a lot of talk on social media at how Mikey Spice had failed to turn up, or given very poor performance at various gigs over the weekend.
"We pushed on and enjoyed the other artists but while the penultimate singer was performing, I noticed that people were coming in stage to pack up the main acts band equipment. The promoter said there would be a break before Mikey Spice comes on but some started to doubt the performer was even there."
The ticketholder stated: "Eventually, after much pressure, the promoter announced that he did not know what was happening himself, that the performer was there earlier for sound checks, but he could not contact him. He said 'even if it breaks me you can all have a refund'.
"People were angry and demanding cash refunds immediately. I told some of them that they were being unreasonable and that it is not the promoter's fault."
The event was due to be hosted at O2 Academy, but Trinity said it "took on the show as a last-minute capacity downgrade in good faith, with the hope that this would mean fans who had already purchased tickets would get to see the planned show". The gig finished an hour earlier than advertised.
Trinity said that although all of the other seven DJs and MCs performed that it would "issue refunds automatically" to any fans who purchased tickets through its own ticketing platform. "Unfortunately, we are unable to issue refunds to those who purchased tickets through third-party sites," it added.
The venue continued: "We are sorry that our due diligence to check promoter credentials fell short of what is expected of us and we will take greater care in future to ensure a greater degree of care for artists and fans. We would like to give thanks to the talented support acts who did perform and will do what we can to ensure anyone who performed receives a fair payment.
"We hope that the negative experiences of fans will not reflect badly, either on them as artists or us as a venue."
In a video statement, the singer said: "I came for four shows I could only do three. Have you noticed my voice? It's not even there, but I'm trying to make it heard for you. For those who were there, for those who weren't there, I'm still here.
"I'm sorry I wasn't able to make one of the shows and for my fans, my apologies. I apologise in so many ways that I'm going to make it up to you."
BristolLive has contacted Mikey Spice for comment.
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