After suffering significant damage to his stage last weekend in Pontiac, Mich., Indian composer and artist A.R. Rahman has postponed the remaining North American dates on his Jai Ho Concert: The Journey Home World Tour, with plans to reschedule for September.
The six scheduled European shows, beginning July 16 in Zurich, Switzerland, will go on as planned.
The postponement affects 10 tour dates, most of which were scheduled for weekends. A posting on Rahman’s web site says “we hope to announce the new dates in the coming weeks…for after the European leg of the tour.” Tickets will presumably be honored for the rescheduled dates, and refund information will be made available “soon,” according to the site.
In a statement, Rahman recounts the incident, which occurred when scaffolding collapsed, sending several workers to the hospital and damaging the main stage set while setting up for the June 19 concert at the Pontiac Silverdome. He says that his organization is “working to recoup all that has been lost (the lights, the sets) which will take us over three weeks to complete. The vision for the show includes beautiful choreography and circus acts and it feels less than, not to include them. All the world over, the show has received a very positive response from those who have seen it, which makes it absolutely necessary for us to present a complete show and feature all the components that were lost due to the incident.”
Rahman continues, “That is the best option we have, considering the circumstances. While I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our friends in the U.S. and Canada, maybe it`s a blessing in disguise, as we will have the opportunity to perform for you with even more energy and perfection. Once again, let us all pray that we are alive and thank you in advance for your understanding, love and cooperation. With deep respect and love, A. R. Rahman. JAI HO to everyone.”
The tour played four shows in the U.S. prior to the accident, including a stop at Chicago’s Sears Centre. The Chicago Tribune said the show “balanced moments of serenity with elaborate set pieces that came across like scenes from a particularly colorful Bollywood musical.”
