Madonna, Live Nation, and Barclays Center are facing a lawsuit filed by two fans, Michael Fellows and Jonathan Hadden, over late start times for Madonna’s concerts. The duo claims that the late start times constitute “unconscionable, unfair, and/or deceptive trade practices.” They also argue that the late start and finish of the concert resulted in limited transportation options and increased transportation costs for them.
According to Variety, this is not the first time Madonna has faced criticism for late start times. The duo cites late start times for Madonna’s other shows at Barclays Center last month, as well as her 2016 and 2019-2020 tours, as evidence of a “long history of arriving and starting her concerts late.” They believe this amounts to false advertising and negligent misrepresentation.
Madonna and her team have yet to respond to the lawsuit. However, it is worth noting that Madonna’s recent touring schedule was temporarily put on hold due to a bacterial infection that almost took her life. She referred to her return to performing as a “fucking miracle” during one of her shows at Barclays Center.
Late start times for live performances are not uncommon, and it is generally accepted that events may not start exactly on time. Performers may have various reasons for the delay, such as backstage preparations or building anticipation among the audience. However, this lawsuit raises questions about the expectations and responsibilities of performers in delivering their shows punctually.
For fans like Fellows and Hadden, the late start times resulted in inconveniences and additional costs. Limited transportation options after the show forced them to incur higher transportation expenses. They argue that Madonna’s alleged history of late starts constitutes false advertising, as it sets unrealistic expectations for concertgoers.
While it is understandable that fans may be frustrated by late start times, it remains to be seen how the court will interpret this issue. Madonna’s health issues may also play a role in the outcome of the lawsuit, as it could be argued that her illness contributed to the delays.
In any case, this lawsuit highlights the importance of transparency and communication between performers and their audience. Concertgoers deserve to know what they can expect in terms of start times and should be informed of any changes or delays. Whether this lawsuit will lead to changes in the industry’s practices regarding start times remains to be seen.