KUCHING – Fans were left disappointed on Tuesday after the Air Supply 50th Anniversary Concert, due to be held at SBC Hall on 24 September, was suddenly cancelled hours before it was set to begin.
The announcement was first made by Air Supply on its official Facebook page, surprising many who had already made plans to attend.
Local organiser Twig Events later confirmed the cancellation, stating that it had received no advance notice and learned of the decision at the same time as the public.
According to Twig, preparations for the event had been finalised right up until the evening of 23 September. Stage construction, venue arrangements, and logistical support were all in place.
The organiser explained that its responsibilities as the local partner were fully completed, and that its dealings were solely with Galaxy World Entertainment Sdn Bhd, the tour agent managing the show.
In a statement, Twig said: “We only became aware of the cancellation when Air Supply posted it on Facebook. Our contract and discussions have only been with Galaxy World Entertainment, not the band directly. No operational problems were ever raised with us.”
Air Supply has since attributed the cancellation to “promoter’s operational reasons,” though Twig maintains it had no issues on its side. The organiser emphasised that the decision was outside of its control.
The concert was expected to draw around 4,000 fans, with ticket sales showing strong demand, underlining the excitement surrounding the group’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
Following the abrupt cancellation, Twig’s immediate priority has been ensuring full refunds for all ticket holders. Refunds are being processed through the same platforms used for purchase and are expected to be completed within 14 working days, subject to the relevant payment providers. Ticket holders have already received email instructions.
Twig has also lodged a formal complaint with the Arts, Live Festivals and Events Association (ALIFE) and requested intervention from chairman Dato’ Alan Foo. The organiser has called for clearer industry guidelines to prevent similar last-minute disruptions in the future.
When asked about rumours linking the cancellation to either venue suitability or dissatisfaction from the Muslim community, Twig clarified that no such concerns were raised during planning. “We would caution against unfounded speculation, especially on sensitive issues,” the company noted.
Discussions between Twig and Galaxy representatives are ongoing in Kuching. At present, Twig’s focus remains on refunding ticket buyers and restoring public trust.
As for whether the concert might be rescheduled, Air Supply has hinted at the possibility on Facebook. However, Twig explained that it has had no direct communication with the band and is unable to confirm any future dates at this stage.
Twig concluded by thanking fans, media, and partners for their patience. Despite the setback, the company reaffirmed its commitment to bringing international live entertainment to Sarawak and maintaining the confidence of local audiences.