By Sarah Brookes
Thousands of Bryan Adams’ fans have been left disappointed with news Sunday night’s cancelled Bryan Adams concert cannot be rescheduled in Perth, and they will need to wait around 30 business days for a refund.
Concertgoers were left queueing for hours outside RAC Arena after a major sewer blockage forced cancellation of the concert on health grounds.
Concertgoers waiting to be let in the doors at RAC Arena for Bryan Adam’s Perth concert. Credit: Tim Downing
The burst water main along Wellington Street cut water supplies to the stadium as concertgoers were locked out of the venue ahead of the Grammy Award winner’s So Happy It Hurts Tour.
In a statement posted on its website, the venue blamed the cancellation of the concert on an external Water Corporation water supply issue which could not be resolved.
In a public alert, the Water Corporation urged patrons to avoid contact with the pooled water on Wellington Street.
“As a priority, Water Corporation crews are working to clear the large blockage of fat, grease and rags, which has caused several wastewater overflows at properties along Wellington Street,” the statement read.
“Acting on public health advice from the Department of Health, the Bryan Adams concert at RAC Arena this evening has been postponed due to the risk of wastewater backing up within the venue toilets.”
Adams is due to play in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday this week.
The Canadian rocker posted on social media that he would reschedule the show but just hours later it was confirmed by Frontier Touring that the concert would not go ahead at a later date.
“I’m really sorry we couldn’t make this happen tonight — I was so looking forward to seeing you all,” Adams had written.
“I appreciate your patience and support and can’t wait to be back and play for you as soon as we can reschedule.”
On Monday morning Frontier Touring said tickets would be automatically refunded in full and urged patrons not to call Ticketek.
“The cancellation of show is bitterly disappointing, and we thank fans for their understanding that while every effort was made for the show to proceed, this matter was outside of the control of Bryan Adams, Frontier Touring and RAC Arena.”
Fat, oil and grease poured down the sink solidify as they cool down, and they bind with items such as rags, or wet wipes marketed as “flushable” – with putrid results. The problem is a global one, resulting in the word “fatberg” being added to the Oxford dictionary in 2015.
A significant proportion of all wastewater blockages in Perth are caused by fat, oil, grease and items such as rags and wet wipes accumulating in the wastewater system.
The Water Corporations has in the past advised residents to pour fats and oils not down the drain, but into a container, and to chuck that in the bin. If you haven’t got enough oil in the pan to justify using an old empty jar or similar, then soak it up with a paper towel and throw that in the bin.
What you can and can’t put in the sink or toilet
What can go in the sink/down the loo: Pee, poo, paper, soap, water.
What should not: Vegie scraps, oil, fat, grease, wipes, pads and tampons, condoms, salad dressings, sauces, cream.
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