Country singer Eric Church faced backlash online after he canceled a concert in San Antonio, Texas, so he could go to the University of North Carolina’s next tournament game.
“As a lifelong Carolina basketball fan, I’ve watched Carolina and Duke battle over the years but to have them matchup in the Final Four for the first time in history of the NCAA Tournament is any sports enthusiast’s dream,” Church wrote in an announcement via Ticketmaster Tuesday.
Instead of performing in his April 2 concert in Texas, Church will be in New Orleans for the game scheduled on the same night.
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“This is also the most selfish thing I’ve ever asked the Choir (Church’s fanbase nickname) to do: to give up your Saturday night plans with us so that I can have this moment with my family and sports community,” the musician’s announcement read. “However, it’s that same type of passion felt by the people who fill the seats at our concerts that makes us want to be part of a crowd at a game of this significance.”
“No action is required to obtain a refund. It will be processed to the original method of payment used at time of purchase, once funds are received from the Event Organizer, which is usually completed within 30 days,” according to the Ticketmaster website.
The move prompted backlash from several corners of the internet.
“The Titans could be playing on my back deck that day and I wouldn’t cancel on an arena full of people,” guitarist Kelby Ray tweeted. “Poor move buddy.”
The @titans could be playing on my back deck that day and I wouldn’t cancel on an arena full of people. Poor move buddy. https://t.co/0KtCwOrLTp
— kelbyray (@kelbyray) March 30, 2022
“How about you refund my f***ing airfare and condo rental too?” one supposed ticket holder tweeted. “Four day vacation you just s*** on because you’re selfish. A**hole move. Get a DVR and go Duke.”
Eric Church cancels his San Antonio gig for a basketball game and we’re supposed to be cool with it? How about you refund my fucking airfare and condo rental too? Four day vacation you just shit on because you’re selfish. Asshole move. Get a DVR and go @DukeMBB pic.twitter.com/PFNrLp8k3I
— Chris Frost (@MNFrostyBoy) March 29, 2022
Others supported the move as sports fans themselves.
“He’s a rabid TarHeels fan,” sports reporter Trey Wallace tweeted. “Live in the moment, Chief.”
Eric Church canceled his sold-out show in San Antonio on Saturday night so he could experience the Final-4 matchup between UNC and Duke.
He’s a rabid TarHeels fan. Live in the moment, Chief. pic.twitter.com/N2TjCo4AZY
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) March 30, 2022
“Good for him,” sports reporter Clay Travis wrote.
Eric Church canceled his huge concert in San Antonio so he could go to UNC-Duke instead. (He’s a monster UNC fan). Good for him: https://t.co/Egxr8bbAi6
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) March 30, 2022
“One time a girl after I got off stage came up to me and said ‘you were okay but I should’ve gone to see Eric Church tonight instead,'” comedian Samuel Comroe tweeted. “I hope she had tickets to this show.”
One time a girl after I got off stage came up to me and said “you were okay but I should’ve gone to see Eric Church tonight instead.” I hope she had tickets to this show https://t.co/juOIZb0wXA
— Samuel J Comroe (@SamuelJComroe) March 30, 2022
“We found out the one thing that can come between Eric Church and his fans,” the Country Music Television account tweeted.
We found out the one thing that can come between Eric Church and his fans ? https://t.co/aKhXGoQHHG
— CMT (@CMT) March 30, 2022
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San Antonio’s concert would have been the 45th stop on Church’s “Gather Again” tour, which began last September. His next stop will be in Houston, Texas, on April 8, with 10 more concerts until the ultimate one in New York on May 20.
