Sam Smith is being slammed after abruptly exiting a concert stage and leaving fans "in the dark" for 20 minutes without any kind of announcement. Only adding to the anger was that fans felt Sam was particularly insensitive about the blackout, given that that particular show took place at the Manchester Arena, which was the site of a bombing during an Ariana Grande concert six years earlier.
That incident claimed the lives of 22 people.
Page Six said the Grammy winner left the stage after experiencing vocal problems a few songs into the setlist. However, concertgoers weren't informed why Sam abruptly left the stage, and they were simply asked to leave the arena after standing around for a while. This, of course, isn't sitting well with fans, many of whom are still scarred from the May 2017 bombing.
"Apparently lights down, no immediate explanation. How scary for fans in the AO Arena Manchester, just days after the 6th anniversary of losing 22 people. #SamSmith #Insensitive," one person tweeted.
Another fumed, "@samsmith @AOArena just not ok I had my 13 year old sat with me in the dark for 20 min before another 20 in the light on nearly to the day of the awful things that happened and you had us sat in the dark genuinely hope Sam is ok but damn handled awfully."
Added a third attendee, "It was so insensitive the way the audience found out. Especially with it being 6 years since the arena attacks! Keep them informed."
Following the quick cancelation, Sam, who goes by the they/them pronouns, attempted to address the situation on their Instagram Story.
"I don't know what to say honestly. I fought off a virus a few weeks ago and since then we have travelled across Europe and had such incredible shows," the "Stay With Me" singer wrote. "Today in soundcheck I felt fine and was so excited to give Manchester an amazing show tonight, with a special surprise guest at the end."
"During my third song, I noticed something wrong with my voice. I prayed it was just my voice waking up for the show but into the fourth song I could feel something was really wrong," Sam continued. "I came off stage and tried everything to get my voice back in gear but it won't. I am honestly heartbroken I couldn't finish the show tonight for you all."
Citing doctors orders, Sam has canceled two upcoming shows in the United Kingdom.