Expect the unexpected
The word unpredictable doesn’t immediately bring to mind the most positive associations. It’s part of human nature to err on certainty, foresee the future and have some idea of how to mitigate against any risks that lie ahead. This is also what keeps the world of insurance turning.
On the flip side though, predictability is not what people expect when they go to see their favourite artists perform live. And as the rock ‘n’ roll annals have taught us, you can pretty much always expect the unexpected, when it comes to the stars! From the late, great Ozzy Osborne’s infamous bat-chomp controversy to the sock shock frolics of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, it’s these unpredictable moments that make live so loveable.
And headline-grabbing exploits aside, some stars make history when they show just how much they love their fans. The gentle rock giant Dave Grohl wowed the audience during a show in Sweden in 2015 when he carried on playing after breaking his leg while performing; and receiving medical attention backstage.
These are all unmissable moments that can’t be replicated. And who knows, maybe Ozzy will have the last laugh when he bequeaths all his royalties to a Brummie bat sanctuary. However, as the industry has seen in recent years, nature brings its unpredictable moments too, which can cause severe disruption to an artist’s tour.
Hail away
In 2023 both Louis Tomlinson and Billie Eilish had to cancel concerts in North America, due to severe storms. In June, 50mph wind gusts brought golf-ball-sized hail to a waiting crowd of 6000, during Tomlinson’s gig at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, demonstrating that even summer concerts aren’t safe from freak storms.
Earlier that year, a severe thunder hailstorm flooded Estadio GNP Seguros, (formerly known as Foro Sol); the Mexico City venue for one of Eilish’ gigs during her Happier Than Ever Tour. Eilish was forced to abruptly cancel the show, due to safety concerns, but was able to appease fans to an impromptu 20-minute acoustic set. Meanwhile, the consequences were more catastrophic for Tomlinson – nearly one hundred fans were left injured and seven hospitalised from the impact of the storm. All attendees received refunds and no official rescheduled date was ever announced. The organisers were also criticised for not cancelling the show earlier.
From one extreme to another
Aside from the financial costs of cancelling concerts, extreme weather can sometimes result in tragedy. In November 2023, during Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, a fan suffered a fatal cardiac arrest in Rio de Janeiro’s Nilton Santos Olympic Stadium, as temperatures soared to nearly 40 °C. The following night’s show was postponed, due to Swift’s devastation at the news and the fear of endangering fans and crew. However, this wasn’t to be the last time the iconic star was forced to change plans on the South American leg of her sold-out tour; in the same month she rescheduled a Buenos Aires date, due to torrential rain.
Deserted in the desert
Even the Nevada desert experiences some rainfall throughout the year but Burning Man festival-goers weren’t prepared for the torrential rain that rendered the site uninhabitable and stranded thousands. It’s estimated the organisers suffered a loss of $17.7 million after dealing with the unexpected costs of the flood, evacuation and cleanup costs; with the organisation forced to launch urgent fundraising efforts and rethink its financial model to weather future surprises.
Of course, as we all know, the UK isn’t immune to extreme weather either. In 2017, a Greenday gig was cancelled at Bellahouston Park, Glasgow, due to extreme weather and stage safety concerns; just hours before they were due on stage. In August 2024, Storm Lilian forced New Order to cancel their Cardiff gig, on health and safety grounds.
How to weather the storm
Any star who’s toured outdoor venues in the UK will know the sight of their shivering, poncho-clad fans is an all too familiar one. But as extreme weather conditions become more common across the globe, event organisers will continue to contend with more risks than ever. Fans clamouring for refunds, due to rescheduling or cancellations, isn’t the only financial fallout they’ll have to face. There’s the risk of injury to the audience; damage to equipment; travel delays; and artist and crew wages to be factored in.
Comprehensive, flexible cover
At LMP Group, we understand your show is unique, which is why we always ask the right questions to get the right cover. And while we can’t always predict what the stars will get up to on stage (and who would want to?) we can definitely alleviate any concerns surrounding the weather.
We’ll work with you to craft Contingency Cover that mitigates financial losses, due to weather-related disruptions. This includes:
- rain and snow
- wind
- hail
- adverse conditions that could impact your event
Although our team is based in London, our work isn’t limited to the UK. We have a global reach and are open to chat to anyone about their risk, no matter what. So, please get in touch to find out how we can help you.
LMP Group. Insurance for the unmissable.