Fans react after Drake postpones Young Money Reunion show in Toronto due to COVID-19
Posted August 1, 2022 10:55 am.
Last Updated September 27, 2022 2:21 pm.
The Young Money Reunion show at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage Monday evening has been postponed after Drake says he tested positive for COVID-19.
In a story post on Drake’s Instagram Monday morning, Drake said he was “devastated” by the test result.
He said the show would be rescheduled to the “soonest date possible” and that he would share the date as soon as the event is rebooked.
RELATED: Drake celebrates Canadian hip-hop lineage with OVO Fest warm-up concert
“I hope everyone stays safe and healthy, and I love you all. I am so sorry for letting you down on our weekend together, and the moment I test negative, I will give you everything I got on stage (except the COVID),” the Instagram story post said.
Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne were also scheduled to appear at the show Monday evening.
The event was the culmination of the holiday weekend-long OVO Fest 2022.
Disappointed Drake fans react to news of postponed show
It’s been a staple during Caribana long weekend since 2010. With thousands flocking to Drake’s OVO Fest, including tourists who make their way to Toronto just for this concert.
“We flew all the way from San Francisco,” Nadia Mansour told CityNews. “We booked a flight, we had everything set up, and then all of a sudden, a few hours before the show, it was cancelled. It’s really disappointing.”
Another fan said she understood, noting the unfortunate timing of Drake’s positive COVID-19 diagnosis.
“It’s a little bit disappointing, but right now, with COVID-19, we’re entering into an open world. Our health is very important,” concertgoer Sherry Suvrati said. “I give him props for not doing the show.”
Drake fan Tony Huang speaks to CityNews.
Another fan, Tony Huang, said he’s looking forward to when Drake is healthy enough to perform.
“I am sure when he feels better and when he gets the green light to throw another event, he’ll pay it back to his fans, for sure.”
Last month, many waited for hours waiting to purchase these tickets, with some prices surging to as high as $900 for lawn seats.
Nadia’s mother, Sandra Mansour, tells CityNews that the tickets they purchased for the now postponed concert were $2,500.
“Plus the flight [from California]. Plus [a] hotel. Do we get a refund? Do we get backstage passes to meet Drake for all of the hassles we’ve been through?”
Ticketmaster Canada pointed CityNews to their website, noting it’s up to the event organizer to offer refunds. For fans, it isn’t just about the money — it’s about the experience, Mansour says.
“I’ve been waiting all this time to see him,” Nadia said. “It’s gone just like this. Now we don’t know what to do. Now we’re stuck in a country we’ve never been to.”
Suvrati wished Drake well, saying she’s excited for when he’s back performing in front of fans from across the globe.
There is no new date for the rescheduled event, with Drake noting he’ll announce one when it’s confirmed.
With files from Nick Westoll of CityNews
