Fans of R&B icon Usher were dealt a blow this week after the singer abruptly cancelled the Australian leg of his Past Present Future tour. The tour was due to hit Melbourne and Sydney this November and December, marking his first return to Australia in nearly 14 years.
Promoter Live Nation confirmed the news on Friday, releasing a statement via Ticketek:
“The promoter of Usher’s Australian tour regrets to advise that the scheduled shows to take place in November/December will no longer be proceeding.”
No official reason was given, but fans who bought tickets will receive full refunds automatically to their original payment method. Ticket holders are being told to allow up to 30 days for the refund to appear.
Usher first announced the Australia dates back in March, teasing fans with a promise to bring “the A to the AUS.” Due to overwhelming demand, four additional shows were added during the ticket rollout in May.
The Past Present Future tour launched in August 2024 and has already packed out arenas across the US and Europe. Along the way, Usher’s been joined onstage by legends including Stevie Wonder, LL Cool J, Craig David, and Boyz II Men.
Ava Max Delays Tour, Says the Show Isn’t Ready
Meanwhile, Ava Max has pulled her Don’t Click Play tour before it even got going.
The Sweet But Psycho singer had planned to tour the UK, Europe and North America from September in support of her upcoming album, Don’t Click Play, set for release on 22 August, but in a candid Instagram Story, she admitted the tour wasn’t up to scratch.
“Pushing back my tour is the most difficult decision I’ve had to make,” Ava wrote. “But when I perform for you, it has to be of a standard that I’m happy with, and it’s just not there yet.”
The 31-year-old said she needs more time to perfect the show but promised fans it’ll be worth the wait:
“Being on stage is my favourite thing in the world… I promise you all it will be worth the wait. I love you all and can’t wait to see you. Soon, I promise.”
Her tour had been due to start on 3 September in Los Angeles, with 15 European shows planned through November.
What happens now?
Usher fans in Australia will be hoping for new dates in 2025, though nothing has been announced. For Ava Max, all eyes are now on her album release. The hope is that once the production catches up with her vision, the tour will be rescheduled.
Stay tuned for updates on both tours as more news becomes available.
