'I'm so sorry': Olivia Dean apologises to fans after sound problems delay Auckland concert

The promoter of Olivia Dean’s Auckland concert has thanked fans for their patience, after sound difficulties delayed last night’s show for more than 40 minutes.

The British soul singer had to walk off stage after just three songs but returned to finish her set at the new Western Springs Bowl, running well past the official 11pm curfew.

Dean’s promoters, Handsome Tours, released a statement thanking fans and Dean’s team late last night.

“We wish to send our enormous gratitude to the city of Auckland and all the wonderful fans who came along to Olivia Dean’s show tonight at Western Springs Bowl,” the promoters said.

“The show was paused for a period of time due to unforeseen technical issues.

“We appreciate the diligent work of Olivia’s team, allowing the show to recommence as quickly as possible. This allowed Olivia Dean to complete her full set to the sold-out crowd.

“Thank you to all the patient fans who made this incredible night possible.”

The Herald has approached Auckland Stadiums, which runs Western Springs Bowl, and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, the event organiser, for an explanation of what went wrong.

Technical issues started interrupting Dean’s act soon after she took the stage.

After just three songs, the star had to exit to allow technicians to try and fix the glitches.

The concert was moved to the newly refurbished Western Springs Bowl from Spark Arena due to high demand.

Herald entertainment reporter Mitchell Hageman said after 20 minutes of no action, the crowd remained in relatively good spirits but were getting slightly frustrated, taking the opportunity to go to the toilet and grab a drink.

“The crowd around me is fixated on security trying to catch a gatecrasher.”

But as the wait neared 40 minutes, the crowd started to grow restless.

“I’m disappointed. She sounded fine for the first three songs, so I don’t know why she’s gone off,” one concertgoer said.

“If they cancel, I hope they refund everyone.

“I feel like even if they go on with the show, it’ll be rushed because of the curfew. It’s such a disappointment.”

Another said: “How hard is it to plug something in and out again?”

It’s understood that the event has a curfew of 11pm.

When Dean finally reemerged, she apologised for the delay.

“I’m so sorry about that, everybody. Thank you for waiting,” she said.

“That’s never happened before.

“Thank you for waiting, everybody - we’re still going to have a good evening.”

Dean continued to play her set, shouting “We’re not going home yet, Auckland!” as the clock ticked over the 11pm curfew.