A fatberg caused quite the disruption recently, leading to Bryan Adams canceling his concert in Perth, Western Australia, on Sunday. Authorities warned that the blockage could make the venue’s toilets overflow, creating a health hazard.
This sold-out concert was set to take place at the RAC Arena, but the show was canceled just hours before Adams was scheduled to perform as part of his “So Happy It Hurts” tour. Many disappointed fans were left waiting outside the venue while staff worked to address the serious plumbing issue.
The Water Corporation reported that crews were on-site trying to clear a large buildup of fat, grease, and other materials that were causing nearby wastewater overflows. They urged people to avoid any standing water, warning it could be contaminated.
Bryan Adams expressed his regret to fans on Facebook, stating, “I’m really sorry we couldn’t make this happen tonight — I was so looking forward to seeing you all.” He appreciated their patience and assured them he would return soon to perform.
Ticket holders will be refunded, and organizers clarified that the concert’s cancellation was due to circumstances beyond their control. The booking agents from Frontier Touring mentioned that it was deemed unsafe for fans to enter the arena due to the plumbing issue.
Many fans, however, felt frustrated by the late notice. Some reported waiting outside for hours only to find out that the show was off. One commenter on Facebook pointed out that the problem should have been evident much earlier in the day.
Adams is still set to continue his tour, with performances planned in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne before heading to the United States next month.
For those unfamiliar with the term, fatbergs are massive clumps of waste that form in sewer systems when materials that shouldn’t be flushed or washed down drains build up over time. This can lead to significant blockages and costly repairs. In 2021, a staggering 330-ton fatberg caused chaos in Birmingham, UK, by clogging the city’s sewer system for weeks.