Aussie fans holding their breath for Drake’s return Down Under should consider exhaling.
The Canadian rapper, 38, who was in Australia for his Anita Max Win tour in February, abruptly postponed shows in Brisbane, Sydney, and Auckland, with a promise of rescheduling.
However, plans to restage the postponed shows have now been scuttled, with promoter Live Nation breaking the news on Thursday.
‘Live Nation Australia regrets to inform you that the previously postponed Drake shows in Australia and New Zealand have now been officially cancelled,’ they said in a statement.
‘Despite extensive efforts to find a solution, rescheduling within the necessary timeframe was not possible.’
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Aussie fans holding their breath for Drake’s return Down Under should consider exhaling
The promoter did not dash fans’ hopes completely, rounding out the statement with: ‘Drake remains committed to returning and performing these shows when his schedule permits.’
It comes after Drake abruptly left Australia a week out from his third Brisbane show, and returned to his native Canada via private jet.
He was due to perform at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on March 4, before heading back to Sydney for another show at Qudos Bank Arena on March 7.
The Canadian hitmaker was then set to play gigs in Auckland on March 15 and 16.
The news came after the One Dance star partied at popular Brisbane nightclub The Tax Office until 4am following his show at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
He then flew to Fiji on his private jet at 6.40am the next morning before heading to Toronto via Hawaii.
Despite the ‘scheduling conflict’, just days after fleeing Australia, Drake was enjoying what appeared to be a lavish welcome home party.
He shared an image to Instagram that showed his marble kitchen island bench featuring an Anita Max Win-themed triple-tiered cake.
The Canadian rapper, who was in Australia for his Anita Max Win tour in February, abruptly postponed shows in Brisbane, Sydney, and Auckland, with a promise of rescheduling
The cake was also festooned with slot machines and coins – a perfect decoration for the gambling enthusiast.
The inviting plate also featured the words ‘Anita Max Won’ spelled out in what appeared to be cheese.
In a statement to Daily Mail at the time, Live Nation said they were working on rescheduling the remaining Australia and New Zealand tour dates and offered refunds to concertgoers who could not make the new dates.
‘We are actively working on rescheduling these dates along with adding some additional shows,’ a spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.
‘All tickets for the affected shows will remain valid for the new dates. Refunds will be available for those who prefer, but please note that as these shows are sold out, any refunded tickets will be released for sale.
‘We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience. Drake and the entire team have had an incredible time doing these shows and are excited to return soon.
‘We look forward to sharing the rescheduled dates with you as soon as possible.’
Confused fans have expressed their disappointment on social media and claimed the rapper would have known his schedule months in advance.
The promoter did not dash fans’ hopes completely, rounding out the statement with: ‘Drake remains committed to returning and performing these shows when his schedule permits’
‘Why did Drake just cancel the rest of his tour and fly back to Canada?’ one person questioned.
‘Drake does this every tour, why are y’all surprised?’ another disappointed fan said.
It comes just days after Drake cancelled his live gig at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena due to ‘travel logistics and unforeseen ferry schedule’.
The Ten Bands hitmaker’s performance has now been rescheduled for August 5, with organisers ensuring ‘all tickets remain valid for the new date’.
