Justin Bieber O2 fiasco: parents ask for refunds
Fans and parents express anger after teen star keeps concert-goers waiting two hours
EDITOR'S NOTE: Since this story was published Justin Bieber has aplogised to his fans. "i was 40 min late to stage. there is no excuse for that and I apologise for anyone we upset," he tweeted.
JUSTIN BIEBER was booed by "thousands" of angry parents and fans last night when his sold-out concert at London's O2 arena started two hours later than scheduled.
The 19-year-old Canadian star took a "never apologise, never explain" attitude to the late start, says the Daily Telegraph's Bernadette McNulty. But the delay caused frustration inside the venue and chaos outside, as parents arrived to pick up their children at 10.30pm, not realising Bieber had only started his performance at 10.22pm.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Some young 'Beliebers' were taken home in tears after hearing just a few songs, because their parents were worried about "missing the last trains home on a school night", reports Sky. The singer's representatives gave no explanation for the late start, leaving it to the venue to tweet: "Justin Bieber is now on stage and apologises for the lateness of his show."
Fans and parents took to social media to express their frustration. "Daughter and Nieces at O2 to see Justin Bieber – Still not on stage at 10.20 on a school night – That's just taking the piss!" tweeted one unhappy father.
When Bieber eventually appeared before the sold-out audience, he delivered a "slick, well-oiled arena show that borrowed much from the Leni Riefenstahl school of visual bombardment," writes McNulty. But the teen hearthrob's awkward dancing gave him the air of a "homeboy-styled Pinocchio" and much of the show comprises songs that "no-one beyond his fans would recognise".
The London Evening Standard's John Aizlewood says many of the fans who arrived at the venue when doors opened at 6.30pm, had "the joy sucked out of their young souls" by the long delay. When Bieber finally emerged, dressed as a white-suited, white-winged angel, hovering over the audience "there would be no explanation of whatever diva tantrum had caused him to treat his audience with such contempt, nor would there be an apology".
By the end of the concert, the O2 was barely half-full, says Aizlewood. "When Bieber asked 'Who's seen me play before?', he might have been better wondering who would spend time, money and adoration on seeing him again".
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Why Bhutan hopes tourists will put a smile back on its face
Under The Radar The 'kingdom of happiness' is facing economic problems and unprecedented emigration
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
7 beautiful towns to visit in Switzerland during the holidays
The Week Recommends Find bliss in these charming Swiss locales that blend the traditional with the modern
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
The Week contest: Werewolf bill
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
Why everybody’s talking about the sexual assault allegations against Justin Bieber
In Depth Canadian singer denies rape accusation and is threatening legal action
By The Week Staff Published
-
Justin Bieber says he'll release a new album if he gets 20 million Instagram likes
Speed Read
By Scott Meslow Published
-
Jimmy Kimmel has some theories on why Justin Bieber wants to fight Tom Cruise, Trump's aggrieved tweets
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Justin Bieber reportedly wants to become an American
Speed Read
By Bonnie Kristian Published
-
Why did Justin Bieber cut his Purpose tour short?
In Depth Fans devastated after Despacito singer quits world tour 'due to unforeseen circumstances'
By The Week Staff Published
-
Airbnb rentals with A-list guests
Speed Read Stay in the luxury homes that have hosted Beyonce, Rihanna and Emma Stone
By The Week Staff Published
-
Monty Python live: a 'lazy' show that will still make fans happy
In Depth Reviewers react to the first live reunion of the ground- breaking comedy team since 1980
By The Week Staff Published
-
Macaulay Culkin storms off: 5 other cringeworthy walkouts
In Depth From sensitive singers to outraged actors, Home Alone star is not the only one who has had enough
By The Week Staff Published