Fans of Kanye West expressed outrage on social media following his concert in Shanghai, China, over the weekend, resulting in a wave of refund requests. Numerous concertgoers reported that West began his performance at least 40 minutes late and faced several technical difficulties throughout the show.
Attendees took to social media platforms to voice their dissatisfaction. A fan shared their experience on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “So I’ve been a fan of Kanye West since I was a teen. MBDTF opened my ears to the sonics in music. Was hard to get tix for him in Shanghai but got it. Was hyped af. Couldn’t even sleep night before. But. Worst concert I’ve ever been to. @kanyewest u can be better.”
The same fan claimed that West was largely lip-syncing during the show, asserting, “His microphone must have been up less than 20% of the time.” The fan went on to describe an encore where West allegedly disappeared for over 20 minutes, leaving attendees waiting as tracks like “Wolves” played without him on stage. “I could have just played your music at home man. Came to see u perform????”
In response to the growing complaints, the event promoter, StellarAmberGroup, issued a statement on the Chinese social media platform, Sina Weibo. They attributed the concert delays to weather conditions, stating, “For this long-awaited return after 17 years, Ye’s team insisted on prioritizing artistic integrity. After emergency adjustments, the show was delayed to ensure the best possible experience and to minimize the disappointment for the audience.” The statement also thanked attendees for their understanding and patience, while apologizing for any inconvenience caused.
Kanye West is currently not on an official tour but has been performing internationally in recent years, particularly due to his controversial reputation in the United States. He was set to headline the Rubicon Festival in Slovakia, but the event was canceled following protests against his inclusion in the lineup. Organizers released a statement saying, “It is with regret that we announce: Rubicon Festival will not take place this year. This was not an easy decision. Due to media pressure and the withdrawal of several artists and partners, we were unable to deliver the festival at the standard of quality you deserve.”
As fans continue to express their disappointment and demand refunds, the fallout from the Shanghai concert highlights the ongoing challenges facing West’s live performances and reputation.
