The band Phish had to cut short the first of a three-night stand at Chicago’s FirstMerit Bank Pavilion on Friday after the venue was ordered to evacuate.
Inclement weather was to blame — heavy rain and lightning, specifically — and the crowd of more than 20,000 was asked to leave the Northerly Island concert hall shortly after the band kicked off its second set.
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The Vermont four-piece had just launched into “Prince Caspian” when they had to stop. The show was then canceled officially.
A tweet from the band notified fans that “the venue has been evacuated due to a major storm that is approaching the area,” and was followed by another message that read, “Unfortunately, that’s it for the night.”
The venue has been evacuated due to a major storm that is approaching the area. Those in the area, please stay safe.
— Phish (@phish) July 20, 2013
A few miles away at Chicago’s Wrigley Field, a Pearl Jam show was delayed almost three hours, but the band eventually returned to the stage, reports jambands.com.
The next day, Phish announced that it will be offering partial refunds to Friday ticket holders. The July 20 show, meanwhile, will go on with a promised three sets starting at 7 p.m.
The venue’s strict curfew, however, calls for an 11:30 p.m. close.
The current Phish tour, celebrating the band’s 30th anniversary, has seen its share of weather-related issues. Phish postponed its first Toronto show in 13 years due to floods and power outages in the area. A performance at New York’s recently-rehabbed Jones Beach Amphitheater also saw severe storms.
Those wanting to watch tonight’s return to Northerly Island can do so via webcast.