Hurricane Helene: Deadly storm hampers live events

High-profile festivals and concerts in the southeast of the US have been impacted by Hurricane Helene, which has claimed the lives of at least 107 people.

Festivals including South Star (Alabama) and Louder Than Life (Kentucky) were cut short, while concerts with Billy Joel and Sting (Missouri) and Hootie and the Blowfish (Florida) were postponed.

The inaugural edition of South Star was due to take place across the weekend (28–29 September) in Huntsville, Alabama, but C3 Presents was forced to call off the second day due to the hurricane.

Sunday’s lineup included Blink-182, Beck, Sublime, Goo Goo Dolls, Jimmy Eat World, Big Boi and more.

According to a statement from the festival promoters, John Hunt Park was saturated before the festival started and Saturday’s foot traffic led to “severe deterioration” of the grounds.

“Following an inspection by festival organisers along with city officials, it has been determined that the grounds are no longer safe to welcome you back today,” reads the statement published on Sunday.

“In coordination with the City of Huntsville, we have made the difficult decision to cancel today’s festival… safety is paramount, and we do not take this decision lightly.”

Sunday day tickets and one-half of two-day tickets purchased directly through Front Gate Tickets will automatically be refunded in within 30 days, according to the promoters.

“Safety is paramount, and we do not take this decision lightly”

Louder Than Life, a four-day rock and alternative festival based in Louisville, Kentucky, also lost a day of programming due to the adverse weather.

Promoter Danny Wimmer Presents called off the second day (Friday 27 September) of the 10th edition due to 50-mile-per-hour winds and heavy rain.

“We’ve been working closely with our meteorologists and local authorities, holding on to the hope that we can open doors, but the continuous wind gusts simply make it impossible for us to proceed safely,” read a statement from the organisers.

“We know how disappointing this is — it’s gut-wrenching for us too. But your safety, along with the safety of our artists and crew, will always be our number one priority.”

Louder Than Life’s Friday lineup included performances by Slayer, Till Lindemann, Anthrax, Evanescence and In This Moment. Day ticket holders were invited to attend either Saturday or Sunday of the festival instead.

Elsewhere, Billy Joel and Sting’s concert at Busch Stadium (cap. 46,000) in St. Louis, Missouri, was rescheduled from Friday (27 September) to Sunday due to the inclement weather. Tickets remained valid.

“The safety of the fans, artists, crew, and staff is paramount. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding,” said Live Nation in a statement.

Live Nation was also forced to postpone a concert with Hootie & The Blowfish at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheater (20,000) in Tampa, Florida, from Thursday to Sunday.

Three days after Hurricane Helene tore through the US southeast, the death toll has hit 107 lives in six states, according to the Associated Press.

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