Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Noel Gallagher forced to cancel Wisconsin show due to poor air quality

Blazing Canadian wildfires have resulted in appalling air quality in several US states

Inga Parkel
Thursday 29 June 2023 06:29 BST
Comments
Noel Gallagher opens up on possibility of Oasis reunion

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Noel Gallagher has cancelled his Wisconsin concert due to the poor air quality brought on by the ongoing Canadian wildfires.

Originally scheduled to take place on Wednesday evening (28 June) at Breese Stevens Field, the 56-year-old British rocker’s High Flying Birds and Garage concert has been axed.

Concert promoter FPC Live shared the announcement across social media on Wednesday morning, noting the decision was “based on the Public Health Madison & Dane County’s Air Quality Advisory”.

“Refunds will be available at your point of purchase. Ticketholders will receive an email with refund information,” it stated.

The former Oasis songwriter is currently on tour in North America, and is scheduled to return to the UK at the end of July for shows in Buckinghamshire, Nottingham, London, Brighton and Bournemouth.

The cancellation comes as a result of more than 450 wildfires continuing to blaze across Canadian provinces, which have brought heavy smoke to several US cities.

At the moment, Chicago is experiencing “unhealthy” to “very unhealthy” air quality conditions. On Tuesday (27 June), the midwest metropolis had the worst air quality in the world.

Meanwhile, New York City and other East Coast cities were warned of worsening air quality conditions throughout the week.

Canada is experiencing one of its worst wildfire seasons on record. More than 250 of the country’s wildfires are considered “out of control”, with more igniting each day, in part due to dry heat conditions.

Amazon Music logo

Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music

Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)

Sign up
Amazon Music logo

Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music

Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)

Sign up

The fires are so extreme that some smokey conditions have even crossed the Atlantic Ocean and into Europe.

Follow The Independent’s live blog here for timely air quality alerts.

Gallagher’s concert isn’t the only event to have been affected by the air quality. Earlier this month, when New York City was experiencing the worst of it, Jodie Comer was forced to end her award-winning Broadway performance after 10 minutes.

The Killing Eve star, 30, who leads the one-woman play, Prima Facie, appeared on stage 10 minutes late before walking off stage a few minutes later, reportedly telling the stage manager: “I can’t breathe.”

Comer’s understudy, Dani Arlington, later filled in and completed the performance.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in