Country singer George Strait postponed his concert at the Sprint Center on Saturday night, telling his crowd of about 18,000 that he was too sick to go on. About 9:15 p.m,. as the P.A. system played "Deep in the Heart of Texas," Strait took the stage and strapped on his guitar. He then sang "Here for a Good Time," though clearly he was not.
He managed to get through another song, "I Gotta Get To You" before he stopped. "I just can't do it," he told the crowd, in a voice that was labored and hoarse. After their disappointment had settled in, many of his fans stood and gave him a rousing cheer. Strait asked them to hold on to their tickets and the show would be rescheduled for Saturday, March 3. The Sprint Center show was the last scheduled stop on this tour. All tickets to the original show will be honored at the rescheduled show.
The night wasn't a complete loss for most fans. Martina McBride opened the show with a one-hour set that included several of her best-known songs.
My total disgust goes to the SPRINT CENTER and Kansas City Power and Light District. Spend 100 dollars today at KCPL for the KU MU game because we are going to the George Strait Concert. Go to Sprint Center to the concert, see Martina, GREAT, but then George comes out. One song and then he says "sorry guys, I'm sick, cant do it but please come out next Saturday with your ticket stubs and I'll sing then." SO SPRINT CENTER KNEW EARLIER IN THE DAY THAT HE WAS SICK BECAUSE THEY HAD TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO HONOR THE TICKETS AND MAKE SURE THE ARENA WAS OPEN, but did they say anything? NO, they wanted us to spend our money there, stay 2 hours from door open to George walking off the stage, and then say "come back next week"? FU Sprint Center, FU Power and Light, PLEASE BOYCOT THEM AND DON'T GO THERE!!!
Posted by: SUSAN | February 25, 2012 at 10:24 PM
During a recession, when we really don't have the money to do anything and we decided spending our money in our home town was the best bet, we get screwed! Really? $300 air fare, $200 at KCPL and then sorry? They knew in advance George was sick or they wouldn't have been able to make the arrangements so fast for next week. But did they post signs, or tell us during or before Martina? NO, they let us spend our money, get excited for nothing and then say come back next week. What if we can't? NO more money for more air fare, no refunds either, just money lost. And who gains? SPRINT CENTER AND KCPL DISTRICT. This is how you reward us for spending our money with you? NO MORE, BOYCOTT SPRINT CENTER. George was sick, that happens, but Sprint Center should have said something before we spent a day there. NO MORE!
Posted by: SUSAN | February 25, 2012 at 10:30 PM
I feel for ya Susan, good points. Maybe he thought he could carry on, but then.... he had to run back to the bathroom... or something.
Posted by: Sammy | February 25, 2012 at 10:41 PM
How would your life have changed had you known, Susan?
And to what lengths should anyone on your list of violators go to notify you that George Strait might POSSIBLY have to postpone his show.
I don't expect you to turn cartwheels over the situation, but it would appear as though your emotions have gotten the best of you.
Maybe after you sober up you'll see how ridiculous you sound.
Posted by: Icon | February 25, 2012 at 10:43 PM
George isn't my problem, maybe he thought he could carry one. But he couldn't and right after he stopped in the middle of his second song he said "sorry guys, can't do it, I hope you keep your ticket stubs because we'll try again next Saturday". So he had to tell somebody in advance he was sick, make sure the venue was open next Saturday and make arrangements with everyone at the Sprint center in advance. Which means they knew all afternoon he was sick, and no one said anything? Give us advance notice before we spend all that money at Sprint Center and KCPL district.
Posted by: SUSAN | February 25, 2012 at 10:45 PM
Yeah George Strait really should have called Susan at home a couple of days ago and warned her not to fly to Kansas City. How inconsiderate! I'm sure her plan for a boycott of Sprint Center will catch on once people see how reasonable she's being.
Posted by: Steve | February 25, 2012 at 10:48 PM
Susan,
The sound that you hear, is the sound of the worlds smallest violin playing....just for you!
Posted by: Richard | February 25, 2012 at 10:48 PM
Would you have stayed home had you know he might POSSIBLY postpone?
I'm still not clear as to how exactly you have been wronged...
Would you have arrived at the last minute and not bought any consessions just in case he only sang two songs?
Colour me confused.
Posted by: Icon | February 25, 2012 at 10:51 PM
He perfomed in a concert in Iowa last night. George tried, but couldn't do it. I am sure they had back up plans with the Sprint Center, but no one would have known he couldn't have performed until tonight. He tried, and that was his decision, not the fault of the Sprint Center.
Posted by: Mary | February 25, 2012 at 10:52 PM
Sorry to hear your night was ruined Susan. Dont let the asshole commenters here get to you, they are mainly looking for a reaction from you, dont give it to them.
This is a good place to vent, hopefully maybe someone will read your comments here, and can do something different next time.
Posted by: Ralph | February 25, 2012 at 10:55 PM
Thanks for checking in, Ralph...
There's still a valid unanswered question on the table...
If Susan doesn't like the way things were handled, she should tell us all exaclthy how she would have dealt with the issue...
And more importantly...please tell us how this information you believe was nefariously withheld would have changed your actions today.
That's one answer that'll never come...some people were just born to whine.
Posted by: Icon | February 25, 2012 at 10:58 PM
Always best to ignore snide comments from idiots like icon.
Posted by: Ralph | February 25, 2012 at 11:03 PM
Asshole commenters? Sure, they're using sarcasm, but their points hold substance. And lets face it, nobody forced Susan (or anyone else for that matter) to spend hundreds of dollars at the Power & Light.
Posted by: Steven | February 25, 2012 at 11:03 PM
Yeah, and its smell like mizzou assholes. Are you crybabies still feeling bad about CHOKING UP that 19 point lead today? Hey, maybe you can blame George for that too. HA!!
The Bottom Line? mu sucks, has always sucked and will continue to suck in the SEC. Take your mu stink on down the road you mu crybabies. CYA LOSERS
Posted by: Ralph | February 25, 2012 at 11:12 PM
I feel for you Susan. What some of the readers failed to read is that you are obviously from out of town. You spent alot of money to come here just for this concert and then for it to be postponed has to be extremely disappointing. Surely the Sprint Center can refund tickets for people who cannot make the next concert and/or who live out of town. If not it was kind of a wasted trip for you.
Posted by: Lynn | February 25, 2012 at 11:17 PM
Here's a disclaimer you can print out and carry around with you Susan...just in case you ever get confused as to how you are being manipulated by all the evil forces within this vast universe of ours:
"The **event you are about to attend could, for a variety of reasons, be canceled, postponed, shortened or suspended due to circumstances well beyond the control of everyone, including God.
Plan your travel, entertainment (pre and post), lodging, food, drink and swingers gatherings accordingly."
"No one is forcing you to attend this event as you are presumably an adult who is mature enough to make decisions that could turn out less than ideal due to unforeseen forces"
GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS!
**covers sports, music, circus, rodeo, tractor pull, symphomy, ballet, opera, dancing bears, wrestling monkeys - this list not intended to be all inclusive.
Posted by: Icon | February 25, 2012 at 11:18 PM
As a Jayhawk, I have no clue what they said that either a) Identifies them as Tigers, or b) has anything to do with what has been discussed at all...
Posted by: Will | February 25, 2012 at 11:20 PM
Sheesh, I can't spell.
Posted by: Icon | February 25, 2012 at 11:21 PM
I blame Susan for all of this! It's jerks like her and her money that keep Sprint Center and P&L and George-frickin'-Straight in business. Screw this!!! Boycott Susan and worn-out crap over-produced modern country music! And boycott the flu or common cold or whatever George has!!!! And boycott the Star! PRINT IS DEAD!!!!!! Occupy P&L March 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do it for Susan!
Posted by: George Jones | February 25, 2012 at 11:31 PM
Umm, if you are spending your money in your hometown then how come you had airfair costs?
Posted by: brian | February 25, 2012 at 11:36 PM
It is a big disappointment that he had to cancel and I feel terrible that people like Susan are out a lot of money. It's a no-win situation. Also, I'm not sure they are going to refund tickets...technically George came out and sang. And, if they don't give refunds for the concert tickets, I can ABSOLUTELY understand Susan's frustration even more. Plus, shame on George for screwing his fans if that is the case. Hopefully you'll get your ticket money back, but it still sucks about the hotel and airfare!!
Posted by: Kristen | February 25, 2012 at 11:42 PM
The genetically deficient fans of this boob deserve what happens to them.
Posted by: Bob | February 25, 2012 at 11:42 PM
Could this be Bill Self's fault?
Posted by: Bob | February 25, 2012 at 11:44 PM
Brian - obviously this is her hometown, but it's not where she currently lives............hence the term "hometown".
Posted by: Kristen | February 25, 2012 at 11:44 PM
Susan - Spend your time looking for yer kids mission chromosomes.
Posted by: Bob | February 25, 2012 at 11:50 PM
I worked one of the parking garages tonight as an attendant and we were all shocked that the concert was canceled. There was a HUGE crowd and I only saw one person who was upset while leaving (wasn't Susan). Everyone was happy and yelling "see you next Saturday!" to other fans.
Posted by: mouse | February 26, 2012 at 12:03 AM
As disappointing as it was for everyone tonight, especially with spending money on parking, food, etc....George is only human and we all get sick. Give the guy credit for trying. Just because he is a singer doesn't make him any different from the rest of us. It was very clear by his voice and lack of enthusiasm tonight that he didn't feel well but still wanted to try. He probably doesnt like having to come back to KC to perform anymore than the rest of us want to go back but he is willing to do it. I will be back next week again to see him even if it means I have to spend money.
Posted by: Topekan | February 26, 2012 at 12:27 AM
I, for one certainly CAN understand Susan's major disappointment with what happened at the GEORGE STRAIT concert. At the 2003 Freakers Ball at the KCIR raceway - MARILYN MANSON called the show after just two songs. I was in a jovial mood that day and found it SORT of amusing that the crowd of maybe 10,000 fans FAILED to understand plain and simple English when the stage personnel TOLD everyone to PLEASE step back one foot. No one seemed to accommodate the band - thus the gig was over after the 2nd song. My friend I went with was (almost) in tears. I could NOT let her know that I was nearly in stitches experiencing the whole event. 98.9 The Rock NEVER did issue refunds - as they did promise.
Posted by: Bubba | February 26, 2012 at 06:14 AM
I do feel bad for the fans not near KC, but it happens. I give Strait credit for doing a second show so quick, that he basically eats the cost of that second show.
Plus he might do something special or bring a bigger opener. I don't like country music at all, but he sounds like a good stand up guy.
Posted by: Steve J | February 26, 2012 at 06:31 AM
@SteveJ: It's obvious you don't know country music if you think there is a bigger opening act than Martina McBride.
She could (and has) headlined her own shows.
Posted by: Jardin | February 26, 2012 at 08:04 AM
Susan,
What if that were you that got sick and had to leave the concert, would it be a different story.. You would be out airfare, hotel, food, ticket costs etc. and would not be given the option to attend the next weekend, we are all human!
Patty
Posted by: Patty Hall | February 26, 2012 at 08:34 AM
I just compare this to how the Cinderella cancellation was handled this summer...George himself announced he was sick and you could tell he was sick. This was not due to lack of tickets sales so George did not benefit from stopping the show. I know it sucks that we all have to go back down but this is a risk with a live event...this can always happen. If you want to make sure the artist is there exactly when you want, buy a concert DVD.
Posted by: Clint | February 26, 2012 at 09:05 AM
I was driving downtown yesterday and noticed that the parking fees were increased for the George Strait show. The indoor lot on Grand near the Sprint Center charged $15.00 instead of their usual $10.00 fee, and the Outdoor lot on Grand next to the Sprint Center charged a whopping $20.00 instead of their usual $10.00 fee. What nonsense! Then, the show gets canceled and the robber-barons at this lot will likely charge the jacked-up fees again NEXT week. Why do the lots feel that George Strait fans are wealthier and/or more gullible than the average music fan? Maybe the Star should investigate why THAT occurred. Can't stand George Strait, but feel for his fans and what happened last night. I got downtown a few years back, and was allowed to park in a lot only to learn that the Springsteen show I was going to had been canceled....and again, the lot allowed me to park, probably knowing this was the case. Yep, the KC Star needs to do a story on THAT!
Posted by: Highway Robbery | February 26, 2012 at 10:10 AM
At least he tried! And it's not like he said hey guys I'm sick, sucks to be you. AND Martina is coming back too. Real "FANS" want him to get better and put on a hell of a show. George wants to give the best show he can and last night wasn't his night. Get over it. See you guys next week!
Posted by: Breanne | February 26, 2012 at 10:11 AM
SUSAN IS AN IDIOT
Posted by: Suzie | February 26, 2012 at 10:37 AM
George is doing the right thing, Springsteen didn't.
Posted by: ABC | February 26, 2012 at 11:24 AM
I was there, will be back on the 3rd, and am thrilled to read that Martina is going to do the opening again. I like George Strait's music and look forward to another concert.
I DO feel badly for the folks who traveled into KC and/or can't make it next weekend. That stinks, but is part of life where health isn't guaranteed. Nobody died & I would think everyone had a great time with pre-concert events -- just missed the very last part of the event. Not the end of the world.
Posted by: KB | February 26, 2012 at 12:37 PM
I don't mind going back. Strait did try and he was clearly ill. He deserves a break on how ge handled it. The fact he tried increases his credibility. However, for those if us who can't go next week, there should be a refund. I wouldn't even have a problem with half my money back since I saw half the show. Sick or not the deal is $ for the show, not pay just in case there is one because there usually is one. I'm self employed. If I'm sick or don't show, I don't get paid and the setup is my expense. He can insure against that more effectively as can Sprint. (And I am aware of event insurance, but it shouldn't be my deal to insure their event.)
As for Susan, you're missing her point. I just made it. Now, as to her own cost of attendance, that is her risk as the concert was offered in Kansas . A concert on a date certain was the deal. They can cover by doing it on another day as it is, or by refund for those ephod agreed to time and place with a ticket purchase but cannot do it next week.
Posted by: James T Kirk | February 26, 2012 at 02:04 PM
"that is her risk as the concert was offered in Kansas."
It was offered in MISSOURI, Mofo! Where would they hold the concert in Kansas?? Memorial Hall?? Livestrong Park?? In February?? JTK, you are stone cold trippin'. Not sure what the point of having Martina McBride come back and repeat her opening set, song for song. I halfway like her and think George Strait is boring as 95% of most modern-day Country Music, so who knows, perhaps last night's show would have been ideal for me!
Posted by: Yawwwn... | February 26, 2012 at 05:43 PM
Was there and am lucky to live downtown so no extra expensive came out our way but respect and truly was amazed how after the moment of shock was over we all gave him a standing ovation. Only man who can get applauded for keeping it real. we love you george and we will see you next week!!! As for p&l sorry for y'all who wasted your time. Kc resident and won't waste money down there. Tons of great bars around sprint center for half the price. Goodluck to anyone who's coming back down...see y'all next week.
Posted by: Cristina | February 26, 2012 at 10:51 PM
Buying tickets to a out of town show is risky. I have been lucky with my out of town shows but its part of the gamble when buying tickets. I usually try and book a few days extra and check out the city and its attractions. Figure if the show flops at least I got a little something on the side to enjoy. You win some and you lose some, for all of the out of townies and all the big spenders, mark this as a lose, but hey, next Saturday might be a win so come on back!!!
Posted by: Green | February 26, 2012 at 11:03 PM
Typical to read all the haters. The guy is human just like the rest of us. We met two girls on the elevator after all this and they had front row tickets. They mentioned they will not be able to attend because they will be in Texas. They were disapointed but not upset cause they know it happens.
Two scenerios for you:
What if you were a Tom Brady fan, and flew out to the east coast for a Patriots game. Then on the first play of the game, he gets his knee blown out?
Or what if you flew out to see the Daytona 500 yesterday, got rained out, and couldnt come back due to work?
Susan if you complain about the money you spent at P&L thats your dumbass fault for spending that kind of money. Yes P&L is expensive but no one says you HAVE to spend money there when their is an event you are going to attend. Sure its an inconvienence but if you are a true fan you wouldnt belly ache and find a way to come back.
Posted by: Brian | February 27, 2012 at 08:49 AM
Yeah, the travel part sucks for Susan as I can somewhat relate to missing a Kerry Woods-pitched game during his heyday because our plane had to be rerouted to Nashville due to weather issues in Chicago. Just ate a $50 ticket on that one. Don't get the complaining beyond that. Even in the case of our unexpected sidetrip, we drank at the airport bar and had fun, we got a couple of free cocktails from the aairline enroute, but I didn't blame them or God for any extra $ spent in a Nashville terminal bar. Any money Susan spent at the Power & Light that afternoon should have been chalked up to the same philosophy...you ate and had fun boozing with good company...don't understand how an action you should have derived pleasure and some value from is on the SC/P&L unless you're just as much of a drag in real life as you seem to be on here.
Posted by: pellboy | February 27, 2012 at 08:57 AM
While it's great that he rescheduled the show so quickly, it would have been nice if his band would have jammed for 30-45 minutes for the people who were there. They could have played instrumentals of old classics and people like Susan might have walked away a little bit happier. Maybe even have Martina come out and perform with his band?
Posted by: live music fan | February 27, 2012 at 11:01 AM
I like your idea LMF. I agree, fortunate that he was able to re-schedule the concert only a week away. As for the band jamming, you have to think that quality of band has a whole lot of music at their disposal.
PB, same sort of thing happened to me years ago. Had tickets to see Bruce and the ESB in Indianapolis. We were literally walking out the door when we got word the show had been postponed. Big Man had a detached retina that required surgery. We were not able to make it to the make up show, but I was able to mail my tickets in for a refund.
Since me and the missus already had a babysitter set up for the weekend, we headed out. We ended up at Tan-Tar-A, had a good time. As a bonus, we stopped at a casino in Boonville on the way home where my wife promptly hit a slot machine for a payoff that covered our entire cost for the weekend. Hard to beat that!
Posted by: onthemark | February 27, 2012 at 12:52 PM
Get over it! Stuff happens. Look ahead not behind. George's show in Iowa the night before was awesome! Best Strait show I've ever seen. Hang in there the show will heal all wounds like country music always does.
Posted by: tred | February 27, 2012 at 02:31 PM
I'm with Susan. All of you fucks don't get it. People wlill continue to milk money out of you lemmings. He was sick early enough to work the reschedule ahead of the show. But like the government, they wanted to get every dime they could out of you prior to calling it. They fucked those people and most of them applauded him. Probably the same ones that voted for Obama. Hint.....that administration is sticking it too you too and my prediction that they will vote for him again!
Posted by: LemmingHunter | February 27, 2012 at 06:01 PM
George needs to make it right. He should fly to Susan's town, pick up a twelve pack and a bucket of chicken, go to her house , and play in her living room. It's the least he could do.
Posted by: Mojo Nixon | February 28, 2012 at 03:40 AM
George did make it right, he rescheduled the concert and for those who already paid got to see him twice, i would consider that an honor. So he got sick, it happens to the best of us. He is human after all. Ya have to give him KUDOS for even TRYING to come on stage and TRYING to sing even though he knew how sick he was, maybe his thoughts were I DONT WANT TO DISAPPOINT my fans...
And maybe the reschedule was done as a back up just in case he couldn't finish... i give him KUDOS for even trying.
Put yourself in his shoes...
Just saying...
Posted by: Roxanne | April 22, 2012 at 07:36 PM