Last summer, Hurray For The Riff Raff had just performed an astounding set and we settled in to wait for Dr. John, when a Summerstage spokesperson told us that the gig was cancelled because Dr. John had heart palpitations and while Dr. John still wanted to perform, the doctor doctor insisted he go to the hospital. Sad, but things happen, and it ended up being nothing serious.
Last night at 9pm, just as the opening act were about to hit the stage at Bowery Ballroom, some apparatchik from BB came out to give the lamest let down ever. Headliner alt country singer Natalie Prass was sick, he didn’t know why, he didn’t know how, he did know we could go buy a drink downstairs if we wanted but get out now. Eh? That’s it? Five hundred and fifty people have just had their evening destroyed and that’s the explanation?
Prass is something of a newcomer and she is also something of a plank. I once went to see George C. Scott on Broadway and he was sick and Tony Randall came out to console us and while, cmon, missing George C. Scott (you know, Patton And the army guy in dr. Strangelove, to name two) was a major disappointment, Randall was charming and funny and he made up for it. This is simple professionalism.PS Scott died three months later…
If for some reason you have to cancel a concert, Morrissey did the same thing at MSG ten years ago, but at least it was a same day cancel, for god’s sake don’t be arrogant about it. Particularly if, like Prass, you are plugging your first album. Give a proper reason and a proper apology.Cmon, people are forking over bucks to see you, you didn’t sell Bowery Ballroom out, so those of us who are there really care. There were kids standing at the front of the stage when I got there at 830. Show some courtesy and account for yourself. George Jones could get away with canceling gigs because he was either too drunk or too hungover. Who the hell is Prass to act so cavalierly? There were people outside the venue waiting to get in who couldn’t believe it.
I am not claiming she had to perform if she wasn’t well enough to perform, I am claiming she needed to give an account of herself. I wish Prass a long and healthy career, but if she ever isn’t healthy, I wish her the good manners to explain herself properly.
“Dearest New York City,
I’m writing this with much disappointment that I am having to cancel our set at The Bowery Ballroom tonight. I have come down fast with something and I am so sick I can barely speak. I held off as long as I could in case something changed and I all of a sudden got better, but unfortunately, it’s been the opposite.
I work so hard because this is my dream and nothing makes me happier than playing music with my band. But we are human and we get sick. Definitely makes you appreciate when you’re not sick.
We will be back soon and we will give it our all!! We will keep you posted!
Again, I have been looking forward to this show since we booked it in February. This is really heartbreaking for me.
So much love to you and thank you always for the support.
Much love,
Nat”
– Natalie Prass via Facebook
I think this is a good enough explanation as to why she had to cancel. I don’t feel bitter or disdain about her cancellation, only a bit disappointed. However, it’s understandable. Even musicians get sick. I hope she reschedules soon, but I’m happy enough to be refunded my money.
You also have to take into account how much money she lost due to the cancellation. All the costs and fees that go into booking a venue and it’s labour don’t just go away when an artist has to pull the plug on a performance. And as you mention, she is an up and coming musician supporting her first album. I’m sure canceling a NYC gig isn’t the first thing she wanted to do.
I had to fortune of being able to catch most of her show at Rough Trade earlier this year and I haven’t seen a performance so crowd-satisfying in years. You can tell Natalie cares deeply about her fans and about performing for them. I’m sure she just wants to put on the best show she can and if she can’t, it’s not worth putting paying fans through a subpar performance.
I think this article is a little crass and the author uninformed. The next time you publish a piece like this, you should take into account the big picture and maybe do a little research. Also, I think a spelling and grammar check are in order.
really? We get chucked out of a gig an hour before the main act is about to go on with no explanation, and I should do some research? It was completely unprofessional… IL