Diehard Luke Combs fans breathe sigh of relief as concert goes ahead after storm

Die-hard Luke Combs fans were left disappointed after a severe storm arrived at the worst time at Suncorp stadium, but there was a happy ending.

Fans were asked to move out from danger at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night for the Luke Combs concert

• Concert Q&A: Set list, merch, transport

Spectators seated in “exposed areas” at Luke Combs’ Suncorp Stadium concert were instructed to leave the field on Friday night due to severe storm activity and lightning near the venue. The announcement was met with loud boos from the crowd. Despite the warning, only around half of the attendees vacated the field to seek shelter. A message displayed on the stage read: “Due to severe weather and lightning in the immediate area, the show is delayed.”

People took to social media with mixed reactions.

One fan uploaded a video panning the stadium and referenced lyrics from the Luke Combs song “When It Rains It Pours”, while other attendees were rattled by the situation.

“Apparently it’s only delayed right now, but everyone has to leave. It was pissing down. The lights are on, no. It’s literally not raining now, the lightning just needs to leave,” fan Katie Gulle said in a video.

Thankfully fans were able to return a short time. A booming voice over the PA system announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, we have been given the all clear,” prompting attendees to return to their seats—albeit wet—after taking shelter from storm activity. Originally scheduled to take the stage at 8:15 pm, Combs remarkably took to the stage just 15 minutes behind schedule.

Fans were forced to take shelter at the Luke Combs concert.

Earlier, country music fever had gripped Brisbane as diehard Luke Combs fans defy blistering heat and the looming storm warnings to secure prime spots for the global star’s first Australian show of the tour at Suncorp Stadium tonight.

Some fans reportedly began their pilgrimage to the venue as early as 1am, determined to be front and centre for the record-breaking performer.

While many of the overnight crowd left in the early hours after receiving numbered spots in line — allowing them to leave and return without losing their place — a devoted core of fans have held their ground since 7am.

People lining up at the closed merchandise tents ahead of the first Luke Combs concert at Suncorp Stadium.

Mia Mills, 22, from Springfield, was among the earliest arrivals, reaching the stadium at 1am and still holding her spot at the front of the merchandise line.

“I left home at 12am and got here by 1am,” she said.

“As I’m short, I wanted a better spot, barricade was ideal. I believed it was going to be a lot busier than it was. I thought more people would have camped out, considering he’s such a big artist.”

Now preparing to buy merchandise, Ms Mills admitted she’s ready to spend big on her favorite singer.

“I’m probably gonna empty my savings account, but sacrifices are made,” she said.

Lines also began forming for merchandise as early as midmorning, despite stalls only opening at midday.

Mackay’s Jenna Deeble is one of the most dedicated fans, flying into Brisbane with her husband at dawn to be part of the action.

“We were up at 3.30am got on the plane at 5.30am got here at 7.30am and comes straight to the stadium, bag and all,” she said.

“We’ll be leaving first thing tomorrow morning, but it’s worth it.”

Brisbane resident Abbey Brown, who missed out on tickets to Combs’ sold-out 2023 concert, described tonight’s show as a “dream come true.”

The superfan credits her aunt’s perseverance in the “Ticketek battle” for securing tickets this time around.

“I’ve got my mum, sister, best friend, and two aunties coming. It’s a whole family fiesta!” she said.

Prepared for a long day of waiting in the scorching heat, Miss Brown came equipped with a survival kit that included makeup, food, portable chargers, and even colouring books.

“I’ve got two fans, one for when the first one dies,” she said.

Her friend, Isabelle Lazari, was equally committed, citing logistical necessity as her reason for arriving early.

“I’m short, so I need to be in the front,” she said.

Gates at Suncorp Stadium are set to open at 4.30pm, with support acts Lane Pittman, Mitchell Tenpenny, and Jordan Davis kicking off from 5.30pm.

Luke Combs is expected to take the stage around 8.15pm, with the entire concert scheduled to wrap up by 10.30pm.