Noah Kahan Gives Emotional Apology After Weather Washes Out Citi Field Show
When Noah Kahan finally stepped onto the Citi Field stage Sunday night, there was one thing he wanted to do before anything else. Sure, fans were ready to sing along…
When Noah Kahan finally stepped onto the Citi Field stage Sunday night, there was one thing he wanted to do before anything else. Sure, fans were ready to sing along to Stick Season and the rest of his catalog, but the singer-songwriter first wanted to address the elephant in the stadium: the concert that never happened.
Just one night earlier, thousands of fans had gone home disappointed after severe weather forced the cancellation of Kahan's Saturday show. Instead of pretending it never happened, Kahan made it clear he had been thinking about those fans ever since.
Noah Kahan Says He's "Really Sorry"
Impending weather forced Kahan and his team to first delay the July 18 concert at the New York Mets' Citi Field in Queens. Set times were pushed back and opening performances were cut as organizers hoped conditions would improve. But after thunderstorms and lightning moved into the area, the show was ultimately canceled.
"The first priority is always to keep everyone safe," Kahan HQ social accounts explained.
When Kahan returned to Citi Field the following evening for his second scheduled show of the weekend, he spoke directly to the crowd about the difficult decision.
"If you know me, I’ve been touring for about nine years and I’ve probably played at least 500 shows," Kahan, 29, began. "I’ve canceled six in my life — it’s only ever been when we cannot do anything else but cancel the show. I know you guys are all here, but I don’t expect any sympathy at all."
He continued with an emotional apology.
"I’m so f---ing sorry for the folks that sat all day out in the rain and traveled. I’ve been thinking about you guys, and I’m really sorry. And I promise you, I would play in a f---ing volcano, the hole of a volcano for y’all. And I — I’m so sorry."
Explaining Why the Show Couldn't Be Rescheduled
Kahan also addressed questions from fans who wished the canceled concert could have simply been postponed. While rescheduling is often the preferred solution, stadium availability and tour logistics can make that impossible.
"I promise you we did everything, everything we could. Weird s--- to try to reschedule it, and I’m sorry," the "Stick Season" singer admitted. "I just feel horrible, and I know people will see this and I just want you to know I’m really sorry. You deserve better than that."
Kahan continued, "I have sympathy for the folks that missed out," reiterating that he wasn't looking for sympathy himself.
Elmo and Cookie Monster Bring Some Smiles
After the emotional moment, the mood lightened thanks to two familiar faces.
For the celebrity cameo portion of the show, iconic New York duo Elmo and Cookie Monster appeared on the stadium screens. Earlier this month at Fenway Park, Kahan had welcomed appearances from New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz, and former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski before performing "She Calls Me Back."
This time, Sesame Street delivered the laughs.
"We just want to know if you sang 'Cookie Season' yet," Cookie Monster playfully prodded.
Elmo quickly corrected his furry friend.
"It’s 'Stick Season,' Cookie Monster!"
The pair also shared some encouraging words for Kahan, who has previously appeared on Sesame Street.
"We wanted to come and wish you a great concert," Elmo added, "We’re very proud of you, and we hope that you are proud of yourself too."
Kahan then welcomed opener Gigi Perez to the stage, where the two performed a duet of "She Calls Me Back."
By the following afternoon, the singer reflected on the weekend with gratitude despite its rocky start.
"New York that was one for the ages," the musician posted to Instagram Monday afternoon. "I can’t believe I get to hang out with you guys."
