Trevor Noah, the Emmy-winning comedian and former host of “The Daily Show,” found himself at the center of controversy as his much-anticipated Bengaluru show was abruptly cancelled due to technical issues. The last-minute cancellation left fans disappointed and raised questions about the state of event management in India.
The show, scheduled at the Manpho Convention Centre in Manyata Tech Park, Nagavara, was marred by problems ranging from a delayed start to poor venue conditions. Audience members complained of a subpar sound system, inadequate air conditioning, and uncomfortable seating.
Despite the delayed start and an opening act, issues with acoustics became evident. The rear sections of the hall, accommodating about 1,000 seats, struggled to hear the performance. This led to repeated protests from the audience, with shouts of “We can’t hear” disrupting the show.
Trevor Noah, known for his professionalism, attempted to address the sound issues but eventually conceded that the performance could not continue under such conditions. The cancellation, which occurred approximately 50 minutes into the show, was announced to a disappointed crowd. He said, “Bad sound guys can’t figure out how to fix this. I won’t be able to perform like this. Sorry for the situation. Everyone will get their money back.”
Flash:
Visuals of Comedian #TrevorNoah saying, "Bad sound guys can’t figure out how to fix this. I won’t be able to perform like this. Sorry for the situation. Everyone will get their money back."#Bengaluru https://t.co/9NAzPMt8mD pic.twitter.com/dOdL714s6C
— Yuvraj Singh Mann (@yuvnique) September 27, 2023
In the aftermath, fans expressed their frustration, with some pointing out the inconvenience caused by traffic delays in reaching the venue. However, Trevor Noah and his team quickly assured ticket holders that they would receive full refunds and apologised for the unprecedented cancellation.
Dear Bengalaru India, I was so looking forward to performing in your amazing city but due to technical issues we’ve been forced to cancel both shows.
We tried everything but because the audience can’t hear the comedians on stage there’s literally no way to do a show. We’ll make…— Trevor Noah (@Trevornoah) September 27, 2023
The incident drew comparisons to a recent controversy involving Indian music composer AR Rahman. Rahman’s concert in Chennai faced severe criticism due to alleged mismanagement, leaving attendees traumatised. Some fans noted the contrast between Trevor Noah’s cancellation and Rahman’s handling of the situation, suggesting that Rahman could learn from Noah’s professionalism.
Here is #TrevorNoah video while performing in Bangalore.
Why is this happening?
Same happened with A.R. Rahman sir also in Chennai.
Either the unexperienced people are booking these big artists, or something is really wrong.#TrevorNoah #comedy #comedian pic.twitter.com/xrshYUJPrG
— Abhishek Singhal (@abhitweets20) September 28, 2023
See this @arrahman? He realised the infrastructure was shit and hence cancelled the show with full refund.
The bare minimum is this and not reschedule as per your whim, proceed to torture people again and then shamelessly post highlights https://t.co/cR7LhRmhAu
— Karthik (@ekeeaswar) September 27, 2023
Trevor Noah cancelled Bengaluru show owing to the poor sound arrangements on the venue and promised full refund to all the audience.
I think artists like AR Rahman should learn something about owning it ! pic.twitter.com/i67XnqXncP— Vatsal Rastogi (@rastogi_vatsal) September 27, 2023
In that concert of Rahman, everything was issue from woman molestation to no area to pee and even stampede like situation.
— Pristine (@Modi4ThirdTerm) September 27, 2023
Rahman also shared a “highlights” video which seemed to rub salt in the still-healing wounds of the fans who attended the concert. Ironically, Rahman also turned off comments on that post.
Chennai concert highlights! pic.twitter.com/fjJrnYHl4W
— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) September 24, 2023
Many netizens called him out for being tone-deaf after what happened at the concert in September 2023.
Dravidam never ceases to amaze.
A tone deaf sound engineer from Chennai. https://t.co/c0tPHBska8— Vijaykumar Shanmugam (@vijayshan) September 25, 2023
I have lots to say. But the sheer disrespect to the people who suffered is staggering.#Marakkumanenjam ah?
Suthama marakadhu thalaiva. Romba thanks! #ARRahman https://t.co/H2oPYcMoof— Charulatha Rangarajan (@charuturfo) September 24, 2023
Comments are disabled by Rahman.
He is not ready hear the voice/comments of those who sufferred during the Chennai concert 'Marakkuma Nenjam?'
Many of them demanding a video from you.. regarding the colossal event. But you are in complete silent mode. Just one interview to… https://t.co/gISknBVIHo
— Blue Sattai Maran (@tamiltalkies) September 24, 2023
While Trevor Noah’s Bengaluru show cancellation highlighted the importance of event preparedness, it also prompted reflection on how artists should ideally handle unforeseen challenges. Noah’s commitment to audience satisfaction and quick response to the situation stood in contrast to recent incidents in the entertainment industry.
In contrast, AR Rahman neither issued a substantial apology nor announced refunds for those who had a distressing experience at the event. The music composer proceeded with his performance despite ongoing issues at the venue and the organisers failed to provide a suitable apology as well.
Dearest Chennai Makkale, those of you who purchased tickets and weren’t able to enter owing to unfortunate circumstances, please do share a copy of your ticket purchase to [email protected] along with your grievances. Our team will respond asap🙏@BToSproductions @actcevents
— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) September 11, 2023
Association Of Surgeons Of India Seeks Refund From AR Rahman
The Association of Surgeons of India has filed a complaint against music composer AR Rahman, demanding a refund of ₹29.5 lakh advance payment for a conference. The association had planned an annual national conference in Chennai in December 2018 and had booked Rahman for a performance, paying the advance.
However, due to venue and government approval issues, the conference was cancelled, and the association requested a refund. Rahman’s team issued a post-dated cheque, which bounced, and they didn’t respond to follow-up attempts for two years.
This complaint comes in the wake of controversies surrounding Rahman, including a recent concert in Chennai marked by overcrowding and mismanagement, leading to a stampede-like situation and molestation incidents. A police officer was also transferred following the concert debacle. The Association of Surgeons of India has now sought action against Rahman and his aide, while police investigate the matter, adding to Rahman’s recent challenges.
Fans argue that despite both high-profile events ending in disappointment for fans, Trevor Noah’s professionalism and his prompt apology, along with the decision not to continue the program, elevate his image in comparison to AR Rahman.
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