It’s Lorde vs the Licensing Police
Lorde performs at Coachella 2017. Photo: AFP
A licensing issue has thrown a massive spanner in the works for Lorde fans holding all-ages tickets, prompting a venue change and causing two of the three shows to be reclassified as 18+.
According to a statement from Frontier Touring. The Powerstation - where all three of Lorde’s sold out all ages Auckland concerts were set to take place this weekend and next week - has been refused permission to host anyone under the age of 18 by "the licensing police."
While the first Auckland show, taking place this Sunday, is still set to go ahead as an all-ages gig at new venue the Bruce Mason Centre, the remaining Powerstation shows on the 14th and 15th will now both be closed to anyone, regardless of age, holding an all-ages ticket.
It's a turn of events that will no doubt upset the plans of many holders of all-ages tickets, and one that has many fans understandably bummed.
It's also led to a rather complicated sounding solution: Anyone holding an all-ages ticket, according to the statement, is welcome to attend the show on Sunday, at the Bruce Mason Centre. It will also be possible for one accompanying adult (already holding a ticket for one of the shows on either 14 or 15 November) to attend the Sunday show at Bruce Mason Centre with the under 18 ticket holder.
Those holding all-ages tickets who are unable to attend the all-ages show on Sunday will be able to receive a refund for their tickets.
Update: Lorde is offering free merch to those put out by the fiasco.