Michael Fellows of Brooklyn, New York, and Jonathan Hadden of the Bronx, New York have filed a class action lawsuit against pop superstar Madonna, concert promoter Live Nation, and Barclays Center in Brooklyn, alleging breach of contract due to a delayed start time at a Madonna concert.
The lawsuit, filed in Brooklyn Federal Court, arises from Madonna’s December 13 performance in Brooklyn, New York, as part of her “Celebration Tour.”
The plaintiffs, who attended the concert, contend that the advertised start time was 8:30 PM, but Madonna did not take the stage until after 10:45 PM. As a result, the concert concluded around 1 AM, leading to difficulties for attendees in finding public transportation and managing early morning responsibilities the following day. The lawsuit alleges this delay constituted deceptive trade practices and a breach of contract.
Fellows and Hadden, representing themselves and potentially other concertgoers, are seeking unspecified damages. They claim that the late start caused inconvenience and additional costs, impacting their ability to attend work and fulfill family responsibilities.
The case highlights the broader issue of concert start times and the obligations of performers and promoters to their audiences. The plaintiffs argue that Madonna and the defendants were aware of her history of delayed performances and that promoting an 8:30 PM start time was, at best, an “optimistic speculation.”
Madonna’s “Celebration Tour” initially faced delays due to the artist’s health concerns. Scheduled to begin in July 2023, it was postponed following Madonna’s hospitalization in June for a serious bacterial infection. The tour eventually kicked off in October at London’s O2 Arena.
This lawsuit is not the first instance of legal action against Madonna for late concert starts. Previous instances occurred during her “Madame X” tour in 2019 and 2020, although those lawsuits were later voluntarily dismissed. Madonna’s pattern of late concert starts has been a recurring theme throughout her career.
The lawsuit filed by Fellows and Hadden seeks class-action status, indicating a belief that other “Celebration Tour” concerts experienced similar delays. This legal action raises questions about the responsibility of artists and promoters in adhering to advertised performance times and the potential consequences of deviations from these schedules.
As the case progresses, it may set a precedent for future events in the live music industry. The outcome could influence how concerts are advertised and managed, particularly regarding start times and the communication of potential delays to ticket holders.
Representatives for Madonna and Live Nation have not publicly commented on the lawsuit.