Lily Allen cancels New Zealand concert nine hours before show

Lily Allen has cancelled her Auckland concert hours before she was due to take the stage. 

Allen made the announcement this morning on social media. 

“To my West End Girls in Auckland, I am so sorry to have to tell you that I have come down with a viral infection and am unable to perform tonight. 

“I was really looking forward to seeing you all and am absolutely gutted to be letting you down. For those who travelled all the way here, please accept my apology. All tickets will be refunded and I hope to be able to come back to see you soon. Thank you so much for understanding.” 

The British singer-songwriter was due to perform at Spark Arena tonight, with doors scheduled to open at 7pm and the show set to begin at 8pm. 

The concert had been billed as, Lily Allen Performs West End Girl, a show centred on her latest album, which she had planned to perform in full. 

The Auckland date was the opening show of Allen’s Australian and New Zealand tour, with Brisbane scheduled to host the next concert on Friday before dates in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. 

Lily Allen's Instagram story announcing she will not perform in Auckland. 

Promoter Frontier Touring had described the run as Allen’s biggest headline tour to date. The tour also marked her first New Zealand performance in more than seven years, following her previous visit in 2019. 

A review of the Ticketmaster booking page today showed many reserved seating sections appeared largely sold. 

Lily Allen for her new album, West End Girl. Photo / Charlie Denis. 

Allen’s social media statement said ticketholders would receive refunds rather than be offered a postponed date.