Tame Impala took the stage at California’s Desert Daze festival this past weekend, but after just 15 minutes, the concert was cut short due to a lightning storm.
According to the San Bernardino Sun, violent thunderstorms began throughout Southern California on Friday, causing festival organizers to usher the band off the stage and urge the crowd to seek shelter. The concert was supposed to be postponed until the storm passed, but was cancelled after media channels reported the storm would last overnight.
Due to safety concerns regarding dangerous weather, we are asking all guests to immediately exit the Desert Daze grounds and return to their cars and seek shelter. We ask that you stay in your cars and remain calm. We intend to continue on, but first need to consult with police
— Desert Daze (@desert_daze) October 13, 2018
In a statement, the festival said that although Tame Impala could not perform another day on the weekend due to scheduling, they were working with other performers from Friday evening to reschedule their sets.
Concertgoers said this wasn’t the only problem of the night; the car entrance was unorganized with long-lasting lines. One attendee said it took longer to wait in the car line then it did to drive to the venue. The concert even began while cars were still lined up, trying to park, leading the band Warpaint to urge the crowd to “dance for the people who are still outside.”
Ticket holders are now requesting refunds for the rocky start to the three-day festival.
I really think everyone deserves partial refunds because it is so unfair for those people who have traveled so far to be turned around right at the gate and told to go home after waiting hours in the ridiculous unorganized car entrance!
— Lexii (@Lexii_Elysia) October 13, 2018
That was ridiculous and I couldn’t even get in! Everyone coming from the parking lot told us that the festival was canceled? I want my hard earned money back or else!
— Jeffrey Roxas (@The_Jeffum) October 13, 2018
What about partial refunds for those turned away at the gate?! We waited hours only to be told to go home.
— Andrew K. Thompson (@ThompsonAndrew) October 13, 2018
I know weather is hard to predict, but my friend and I traveled from across the country to see Tame Impala tonight. We’re bummed that couldn’t happen. What are you doing concerning refunds for patrons tonight?
— Jacob Maynard (@jakemayn) October 13, 2018
While the festival has not commented on refunds, Friday passes were honored on Saturday, and parking remained free for the rest of the weekend. Saturday and Sunday saw artists like Chelsea Wolfe, Beak, My Bloody Valentine, and Preoccupations.
