Live Nation sent a notice to ticketholders about an hour before the show was scheduled to begin, citing "electrical issues" at the venue as the reason for the cancellation.
Regrettably, due to electrical issues within the venue, tonight's show with Liam Gallagher and Richard Ashcroft @SonyCentreTO, will be cancelled. Tour and venue staff have been working to resolve these issues tirelessly to no avail. Refunds will be issued at point of purchase.
— Live Nation Ontario (@LiveNationON) May 13, 2018
Opening act Richard Ashcroft seemed as baffled by the decision as fans. In an Instagram video that has since been removed, he said: "Unfortunately, the concert's been cancelled due to 'static,' something that I've never heard about, never had a concert cancelled for that, maybe outdoors when there's water on the stage, but this is an indoor venue."
Devastated I can't play tonight to all the fans that are here in Toronto. Sony Centre have technical problems & wont allow us to play!
— Richard Ashcroft (@richardashcroft) May 13, 2018
Gallagher, meanwhile, took to Twitter to say he was "gutted" about the news, but reminded fans that "safety comes first."
Gutted about tonight's gig brothers n sisters. Safety comes first for all of us LG x
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) May 13, 2018
That didn't stop upset fans (especially those who made trips from far away) from voicing their disappointment on Twitter.
Flew all the way from ireland man! pic.twitter.com/gJI0ABfBzc
— al (@u_cal_me_bralan) May 13, 2018
Unacceptable. This show won't be made up. Feel awful for the fans.
— Michael Roberts (@MRobs77) May 13, 2018
Thanks, Liam. 5 hour drive and a hotel room down the drain.
— Michael O'Keefe (@srk_mike) May 13, 2018
play acoustic outside then. We are here.
— Jason Winnington (@jwin2013) May 13, 2018
Drove a long way mate. Liam this better be legit. As you were my friend. @liamgallagher pissed.
— Aaron Wilson (@AWils10) May 14, 2018
My heart is absolutely broken! You've been on my bucket list for years now. Since the #BeadyEye days. I flew all the way from #StJohns #Newfoundland. You should consider doing a show there some day. I promise you it would be worth your while. Love and respect! #AsYouWere
— Carlitio Corleone (@KilbridesFinest) May 14, 2018
Oh what a bummer! see you downtown somewhere for a Jar? Flew in from Vancouver to see you and hang out with a best bud - Love to buy you a pint #britabroad #imapissheadfrom90sCamden
— Dan Moran (@DanMoran_HCD) May 14, 2018
@liamgallagher @richardashcroft Power seems fine here! I guess only half the block's affected. pic.twitter.com/LMXI8wx4pe
— Dustin Palko (@DustyP33) May 13, 2018
I came from Japan for gig. I think I just saw you drinking in a bar on Queen St.
— 三宅賢二 (@kenji061127) May 14, 2018
Fly all over from Mexico mate... thanx for nothing 😒
— Alex Moreno-Martz (@Lennonalex) May 14, 2018
I was ready to peel some potatoes on the stage!
— Spudz 🥔 (@spudznik) May 14, 2018
Others took jabs at the singer by taunting him with his brother Noel's slightly better attendance record, while most just took the opportunity to invite the singer out for drinks given the sudden gap in his schedule.
Noel's never cancelled a gig
— Josh Taylor (@smashedpian0ss) May 13, 2018
Pints?
— Andrew (@cheers_andrewp) May 13, 2018
Where ya drinking?
— al (@u_cal_me_bralan) May 13, 2018
Do you want drink 10 beer with me in italian's pub?
— Giuseppe Sorrentino (@pep_sorrentino) May 13, 2018
Gutted mate, already downtown. Come over the road to Fran's and I'll buy you a pint. I'm in the back.
— Scott Forrester (@get_scott) May 13, 2018
Some Toronto venues even offered up their nearby spaces to stage an impromptu set, but Gallagher didn't take them up on the offer — unlike last summer in Montreal.
We're down the street, no electrical problems here, small intimate stage open after 930, just sayin'
— C'est What? (@cestwhattoronto) May 13, 2018
They can literally go across the street and play a legendary night to 1000s on the Berczy Park stage, in our gorgeous, spotless park! Play C'Est What afterparty!
— TOFreeWalkingTours (@Torontofreewalk) May 14, 2018
As it stands, no plans have been announced to reschedule the show. Refunds will be issued at the ticketholders' point of purchase.
See the remaining dates on Gallagher and Ashcroft's tour here.