Live Nation Stand Firm On 50% Janelle Monae Refunds

Tour promoters Live Nation are keeping to their decision to offer 50 percent refunds for punters at the recent Melbourne Janelle Monae and Kimbra show that was cut short, despite social media criticisms.

The show took place Saturday 17 May at Melbourne's The Forum as the first show of the tour after Perth was cancelled. However the night was called off early after Kimbra's opening set when Monae's band informed audiences that she had been taken ill. Patrons were then invited to attend the following Melbourne show scheduled for Monday 26 May before the Sydney show – and then the whole tour – was cancelled.

With Live Nation and Ticketmaster working through refunds, punters were notified via email that those who attended the Saturday 17 May show at The Forum are only eligible for a 50 percent refund.

Sparking complaints on the Facebook pages of the two companies, a spokesperson for Live Nation told theMusic.com.au today that they will be keeping to the policy.

“Live Nation can confirm that patrons (for the show scheduled at The Forum, Saturday May 17) will receive a refund of 50% of the face value price paid per ticket,” they said, “and 100% of any transaction or handling fee applied by Ticketmaster.”

They did not respond to questions about the reasons behind the decision, or offer an update on Monae's current condition. The tour was supposed to see Kimbra and Monae play sets before collaborating together.

The promoter's stance is unlikely the placate punters who have been calling for full reimbursement, with one writing on Ticketmaster's page today, “A 50% refund for the cancelled Janelle Monae show in Melbourne on 17th May is completely unacceptable, given that only 1 of the publicised three sets was played. And that [was] the set I had the least interest in seeing.

"This will be taken to the ACCC if Ticketmaster and Live Nation do not amend their policy on this event.”

“Absolutely disgusted,” another wrote on Live Nation's page. “Just found out I won't be receiving a full refund to the Kimbra/Janelle Monae concert that was held in Melbourne on May 17th at the Forum.

"We did not get what was promised to us on the ticket therefore are entitled to a full refund. I bought 3 tickets. If I still have to pay $150 for a very disappointing evening I am going to be furious. This refund must be reconsidered to a full refund.”