Dan Sultan explains ‘worst ever’ concert

Dan Sultan has addressed a “trainwreck” performance that prompted a furious backlash from almost all of the 500 audience members.

Dan Sultan has issued a heartfelt explanation after a “trainwreck” performance last year saw almost every one of the 500 audience members demand a refund.

Sultan’s performance in Cairns last June was labelled “very uncomfortable” to watch, with the singer falling off his chair and forgetting lyrics on stage.

The backlash was so great it prompted the Melbourne-based singer’s management to issue a statement apologising on his behalf and Sultan to reveal he was getting “professional help”.

On Thursday, Sultan shared a personal message to his Facebook page, explaining the performance had come at an “extremely difficult time” and announcing he planned to “make it right” with a show in Cairns on Friday night.

Dan Sultan. Picture: Joel Carrett/AAP

The singer revealed how his now-infamous performance had turned out to be a blessing in disguise, with Sultan now celebrating being nine months sober.

“Last year on June 2nd, I played the worst show I have and will ever play, in beautiful Far North Queensland,” he wrote.

“The fallout following that show, sparked actions to address and amend things about my life and lifestyle that I’d been avoiding, lying to myself about, dismissing and deflecting for a long time.

“It was an extremely difficult time but one of the biggest blessings I could’ve ever asked (or not asked) for. At just under 9 months sober, I’m really thankful that I’ll be returning to Cairns tomorrow night for a ‘Make it Right Show’.

The singer is now nine months sober. Picture: Alan Barber

“As someone who prides themself on being a professional and a great performer, this is very important to me and I truly felt like I’d sold everyone in the room that night short. From the audience to the venue staff and of course myself. To anyone who was at the show June 2nd last year, I hope to see you tomorrow night March 1st.”

Sultan’s Cairns’ performance last year prompted his management to cancel the remainder of his Killer Solo Tour, while his close circle reportedly urged the singer to “take time off” to “get himself right” after concerns the touring lifestyle was taking its toll.

The ARIA Award winning singer-songwriter has spoken up about drinking problems in the past.

“I’ve done plenty in the past to have people doubt me,” he said in a 2014 interview.

“I’ve had a bit too much fun sometimes but that’s who I am.

He added: “We don’t drink on tour any more. It’s a lot harder going to sleep at night, but a lot easier waking up in the morning.”

Originally published as Dan Sultan explains ‘worst ever’ concert