Popular Japanese band ONE OK ROCK (OOR) launched the “ONE OK ROCK Luxury Disease Asia Tour” across Asia, including stops in Taipei, Manila, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore. The band scheduled to perform at the Central Harbourfront Event Space in Hong Kong on Oct. 7, 2023 after multiple cancellations due to the outbreak of the pandemic.
Unfortunately, the long anticipated concert was cancelled due to the approaching Typhoon Koinu. The Hong Kong Observatory (“HKO”) updated earlier that day, the Strong Wind Signal No.3 would remain in force for the day of the concert.
“In accordance with the Temporary Place of Public Entertainment license, all outdoor performances must be cancelled when the Tropical Cyclone Warning signal No.3 or higher is hoisted,” said Live Nation HK, the organizer of this live event at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
Fans from all over the world travelled to Hong Kong in anticipation for the concert, just for it to be cancelled on a short notice. “It has been 5 years since OOR came to Hong Kong. Today’s weather is great for a concert, there’s not even a drop of rain!” said Mr. Ho and Mr. Man, who were with a group of local fans. “It’s probably because of the black rain last time, as Hong Kong suffered from flooding and heavy rain last time,” they added.
“We came all the way from Changsha yesterday because the tickets sold out in Shanghai. Now we are here for nothing. The host (Live Nation HK) should have announced this earlier,” said Ms. Zhang and Ms. Dai, another group of fans from Mainland China.
The organizer stated that refund details for the tickets would be announced later. However, fans would still be responsible for their travelling expenses.
Workers started dismantling the venue shortly after Live Nation HK announced the cancellation of the concert, further disappointing fans who had gathered at the site. Photos showed crew members removing equipment and infrastructure from the outdoor stage area in the hours following the announcement.
Despite the cancellation, fans congregated near the venue entrance, vocalizing support for OOR to express their frustration with the cancellation of the performance. The vocalist of the band, Taka, uploaded an Instagram post and live broadcast promising local fans to return before the end of the year for another concert.
They also stated their disappointment in the cancellation of the event despite only experiencing light rain and winds.
On Friday night, Taka wrote on his Instagram that the band was looking forward to enjoying the outdoor stage with 20,000 audience members, but were worried the weather might impact the performance.
On Oct. 8, 2023, the typhoon was upgraded to Signal No. 9 at 7 p.m.