‘S... show’: RAC Arena forced to cancel Bryan Adams concert after lock out due to Water Corporation issue

RAC Arena was anything but Heaven on Sunday night, with eager Bryan Adams fans left locked out of the venue for hours, as a fatberg forced the Canadian rocker’s concert to be cancelled due to health concerns.

Crowds outside — keen to make a night to remember — were queuing without any movement and with doors remaining locked, when they were sent a message from RAC Arena.

The delay was later confirmed to be as a result of urgent works following a major sewer main blockage along Wellington Street.

In a late night update from the Water Corporation, patrons were urged to avoid contact with “pooled water” in Wellington Street, as it may be sewage.

“As a priority, Water Corporation crews are working to clear the large blockage of fat, grease and rags, which has caused several wastewater overflows at properties along Wellington Street,” the alert said.

“Acting on public health advice from Department of Health, the Bryan Adams concert at RAC Arena this evening was cancelled due to the risk of sewage backing up within the venue toilets.”

But the alerts came too late for crowds who had spent hours since 5.30pm queuing for Adams, with no notice until shortly before 7.15pm, patrons were sent a text saying “doors are currently delayed for this evening’s concert. More updates to come”.

About half an hour later, they received a second text, saying: “Due to an external Water Corporation issue, doors continue to remain closed for the time being. All efforts are being made to resolve this issue. We will continue to keep you informed.”

Support act James Arthur was scheduled to take the stage around 7.45pm, before Adams at 9pm.

While some online saw the lighter side of the issue, others labelled the debacle a “s... show”.

As the main act was due to take the stage, fans were sent a message that the show was postponed.

“RAC Arena advise that tonight’s performance by Bryan Adams is postponed due to an external Water Corporation water supply issue which could not be resolved.”

“All existing ticketholders will be notified of an update as soon as possible and need not taker any action at this time.”

Photos and video posted online showed densely packed crowds queuing up against a busy Wellington Street, with concerns from patrons about safety.

An RAC Arena spokeswoman said the issue was unable to fixed in time for the concert to go ahead.

“The issue, which impacted all of Wellington Street, meant that it was unsafe for patrons to enter until it is resolved,” she said.