CAS Cancels Bengaluru Concert, Blames Production Issues

In a major letdown for fans, the highly anticipated Cigarettes After Sex concert in Bengaluru was abruptly canceled on Tuesday at the last minute. The band attributed the cancellation to 'local production' issues and apologized to fans who had gathered at Bhartiya Mall, eagerly awaiting the performance.

The sudden announcement left attendees frustrated and disappointed, with many taking to social media to express their discontent. The lack of clarity around the cancellation led some fans to question Bengaluru’s ability to host large-scale music events.

One fan, Sarthak, voiced his frustration on X, writing, "Technical difficulties in India’s Silicon Valley—ironic. Bengaluru was once a prime destination for music artists, but now it’s reduced to linguistic chauvinism and trashy Bollywood nightlife beats. I have fond memories of my Metallica concert here, but not anymore."

Another user, Nikhil Kumar, blamed the local administration, stating, "Bangalore is being robbed of these experiences due to pathetic local governance. Our state government is on life support and will kill this city brick by brick."

Many fans compared the situation to the band’s recent concert in Ahmedabad, which went ahead without any reported issues. One user noted, "Ahmedabad executed the show flawlessly, while Bengaluru failed miserably."

Adding to the frustration, several attendees criticized BookMyShow for failing to notify ticket holders about the cancellation in advance. Fans who had traveled long distances lamented the time and money wasted. "Cigarettes After Sex got canceled in Bangalore, and BMS didn’t even inform us via message or email. People traveled longer routes than to the airport just to reach the venue. I came from Sarjapur—so much time and money wasted," one user wrote.

The band assured fans that BookMyShow would soon process ticket refunds.

The cancellation reignited concerns over Bengaluru’s concert infrastructure, with some reminiscing about the city’s past glory in hosting major rock and metal gigs. "From being the go-to city for the best metal and rock concerts in the 2000s to just Bollywood nights—it’s sad to see how far we’ve fallen," wrote another disappointed fan.

This incident echoes the controversy surrounding comedian Trevor Noah’s canceled shows in Bengaluru in September 2023, when severe acoustic and sound system failures at Manpho Convention Centre forced him to call off his performances. The repeated cancellations of high-profile events have sparked growing concerns among music lovers and event organizers, raising questions about whether Bengaluru can still be considered a premier destination for world-class concerts.