Westlife concert organizers apologize to fans

By Nghinh Xuan November 22, 2023 | 04:36 am PT

AMO, organizers of Irish boy band sensation Westlife’s Ho Chi Minh City concerts, Wednesday apologized to audiences for a tent that obstructed views of the stage.

Westlife in their first show on Nov. 21. Photo courtesy of AMO Vietnam

Westlife in their first show in Vietnam on Nov. 21, 2023. Photo courtesy of AMO Vietnam

An AMO representative admitted to shortcomings in concert preparations and vowed to correct mistakes as soon as possible to provide fans with a better show at Thong Nhat Stadium Wednesday night.

Organizers said they would make sure that the stadium and seats would be clean, following complaints that chairs and seating areas were filthy during the first show.

Audiences criticized organizers for both the stage and projections of the show being too small, making it difficult for them to watch the singers perform.

A few hours before the show Tuesday, organizers erected a tent to cover technical equipment per a request from Westlife producers who feared rain would damage their gear. Due to the tent, some audiences were unable to see the stage and could only watch the performers through screen projections.

Before the show officially began, frustrated attendees were demanding seat changes or refunds because they paid VND2.1 million (US$86) and all they saw was a white tent.

An AMO representative stated that some refused to change their seats due to some of seats being placed in a higher position that gave attendees a better overview.

Despite these issues, Westlife's performance was praised by the audience. Many commented that the four popstars sang beautifully and focused more on their music than looking good.

Vietnam is one of Westlife's Asian stops on their The Wild Dreams Tour. At first, they planned to perform in Vietnam for only one night on Wednesday. However, due to high demand and rapid ticket sales, the group agreed to hold an additional show on Tuesday.

Westlife was formed in 1988 in Dublin, Ireland with five members. The band disbanded in 2012 before reuniting in 2018.

The group’s current members are Shane Filan, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan, and Nicky Byrne. Westlife holds four Guinness World Records, including recognition as the top-selling band of the 21st century in the United Kingdom.