Cebu City investigates venue safety issues after LANY concert cancellation

The local government of Cebu City has stepped in to investigate the venue safety issues which caused the cancellation of a sold-out LANY show last night in its arena.

Hours before the concert, the pop-rock duo’s organizer, Live Nation Philippines said that it had to postpone the concert citing significant safety issues regarding the roofing of the venue discovered after soundcheck.

It later announced the cancellation of the show and directed disappointed concertgoers to refund their tickets.

According to the initial assessment conducted by the Office of the Building Official (OBO), the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the Bureau of Fire Protection, the concern in the venue involved “a specific section of the ceiling system.”

“Further technical assessment will be undertaken to determine the appropriate preventive and corrective measures,” the city’s statement read.

Meanwhile, the venue is constantly being monitoring to ensure that the necessary safety measures, technical assessments, and compliance requirements are properly addressed before the resumption of activities inside.

The venue, SM Seaside Cebu Arena, issued a statement Friday affirming the what transpired last night was a “precaution,” adding that an inspection is already being done by the venue’s engineering team, independent structural consultants along with the LGU.

“Under OBO oversight, accredited third-party specialists are carrying out targeted maintenance and enhancement works to ensure compliance ahead of upcoming events,” the arena’s statement said.

It added that the arena’s main structure is sound and the incident was isolated to its ceiling system.

Hundreds of fans who were at the venue last night still continue to show their disappointment.

LANY also said in its post to fans that their “safety is our number 1 priority, we are so sorry.”

Vocalist Paul Klein also posted to explain the situation, citing news about a 4-foot steel debris falling from the roof of the venue.

“I am super upset to not be playing our sold out show tonight and my heart breaks for everyone that took their time and spent their hard-earned money to be with us,” Klein said.

He also posted a photo of himself in what appeared to be his concert outfit, expressing his disappointment over the situation.

LANY successfully held the first show of its Philippine leg of its tour in Cebu last November 6 at the same venue.

The duo also sold out its shows over the weekend in the Philippine Arena.

Their are set to travel to Melbourne for the Australian leg of the Soft World Tour.