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Luke Combs Powers Through Concert Despite Vocal Issues, Refunds Every Single Ticket: ‘I Am So Sorry’
“The greatest country music artist of all time is Luke Combs,” one fan wrote.
Luke Combs; Photo by Andrew Wendowski
After experiencing severe vocal issues at his concert at Maine Savings Amphitheater in Bangor, Maine on Saturday (Sept. 3), Luke Combs refunded thousands of fans as he felt he couldn’t give them the show they deserved.
Combs refunded all fans who attended the second of two sold-out shows at the venue, which served as the opening weekend of Combs’ much-anticipated Middle of Somewhere Tour. The show also featured support from Mitchell Tenpenny and Morgan Wade.
Prior to performing the first song of the evening, the reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year took to the stage to let fans know that he and his team had issued refunds for every ticket purchased as he was struggling with vocal issues.
“Before we even start playing this show, I have to let you know that I have refunded all of your tickets. As of 7:00 PM, today, a few hours ago, I realized that I’m not going to be able to sing as good as I normally do,” Luke Combs emotionally shared. “[My voice is not] what I think it should be for you guys having to pay for it. So, we’re going to put on the best free show we could put on and I want you guys to know how upset I am to have to tell you that tonight, but all I want you to know is that we’re going to do the very damn best. I’m going to give you everything that I have. I am so sorry, so sorry.”
After admitting his voice was not up to par, the North Carolina paused for a minute and wiped back tears before the crowd began chanting his name, showing their endless support for the singer.
Combs then performed his chart-topping hit, “Doin’ This.”
Later in the show, Combs addressed the situation once again and showcased his appreciation for fans coming out and supporting his career.
“I want you guys to know how much it means to me that you spend your hard-earned money to be here and that you get babysitters and hotel rooms and pay for gas,” Combs said. ”I know it’s not just a concert ticket, I know it’s more than that and I know that it’s hard to pay for shit right now. Everything is so expensive, man, life is so crazy right now.”
He continued, “The fact that you would spend your money to come here, it made me sick sitting on my bus knowing that I couldn’t give you what you deserve tonight because I care man. This is what I love to do! The song ‘Doin’ This’ is not a gimmick, this is what I love to do. And that’s what you guys deserve is everything that I have. So, like I said before, I want you to know that I’m going to refund all your tickets.”
Despite his vocals not being at their best, Combs went on with the show as he didn’t want to disappoint his fans. However, he did have to cut his set short and it seems not a single fan was upset with his decision.
In fact, fans took to social media and applauded Combs for his kindness and authenticity, while also praising him as a “class act” for continuing with the show although he was struggling with vocal issues.
“If I didn’t love @lukecombs before, I definitely do now. Thanks for caring about your fans as much as you do and putting on one hell of a show in Bangor, Maine tonight,” one Twitter user wrote, while another added, “If you didn’t like @lukecombs enough. Him giving it all he had while sick was amazing to see, couldn’t even tell.”
“Tonight’s concert in Bangor was absolutely incredible and even with your voice not at its best you put on the best damn show I’ve ever seen I’d ever been too!” another fan on Twitter added. ”We love you so much! I have so much respect for you and I hope you see this!”
“The greatest country music artist of all time is @lukecombs. This convo has been closed for a few years now. Give that man his flowers,” another social media user said, praising the country hitmaker.
Meanwhile, other fans on Twitter requested that others pay it forward and give the refund to a charitable organization.
“I want to donate my refund to a charity of your choice! What will it be!?? You put on an amazing show in Bangor even if you weren’t feeling well!”
“Sore throat or not, you were great tonight. Keep your refund, would happily donate the money to a charity of your choice. THANK YOU for a great night!”
On Friday evening in Bangor, Combs rewarded a group of young fans who stacked five cords of wood in order to earn enough money to purchase concert tickets with cash and a VIP experience.
Watch the moment unfold HERE.
The Middle Of Somewhere tour will resume in Green Bay, Wisconsin on September 16 and 17.
The remaining dates of the Middle of Somewhere Tour will feature direct support from Jordan Davis and special guests Lainey Wilson and Morgan Wade on select dates.
Following his Middle Of Somewhere Tour, Luke Combs will embark on a Canadian headlining trek with support from Riley Green and Chayce Beckham in November.
Luke Combs released his latest album, Growin’ Up, in June. The project debuted at No. 1 upon its release and features the chart-topping hit, “Doin’ This,” Combs’ current single, “The Kind Of Love We Make,” and “Outrunnin’ Your Memory,” a duet with Miranda Lambert, among several others.
Lauren Jo Black is a longtime country music journalist, editor, host, and media personality whose work has helped shape the conversation around country music for nearly two decades. As the current Editor-in-Chief of Country Now, she has become one of the genre’s most respected voices, interviewing hundreds of country music’s biggest stars, including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Randy Travis, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, and countless others. Over the course of her career, Black’s written work and interviews have reached billions of country music fans worldwide. A 2009 graduate of the University of Central Florida, Black began her career by founding Country Music Is Love, one of country music’s earliest independent digital publications, which she later sold to a major record label in 2015 before it was rebranded as Sounds Like Nashville. She then served as the publication’s Editor-in-Chief for more than two years. Her work has also appeared in Forbes, and she previously served as the Country Music Expert for Answers.com. Widely recognized for her expertise, Black has appeared as a featured guest on The Bobby Bones Show, BobbyCast, and Scripps News Morning Rush, providing insight on country music’s biggest moments. She has also hosted Country Now Live, a concert series featuring performances from artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Dustin Lynch, Gabby Barrett, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Chris Young, and more. The series has welcomed thousands of fans in person while reaching millions more online. In addition, she hosted Connect With Country Now, a weekly interview series featuring conversations with rising country stars. Throughout her career, Black has earned a reputation for discovering and championing artists long before they become household names. She has covered Luke Bryan since the early days of his career, beginning when he was writing songs for other artists, including Billy Currington’s No. 1 hit “Good Directions,” before stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, “All My Friends Say” and eventually becoming one of biggest names in music. She also gave Megan Moroney her first opportunity to walk a major red carpet as Country Now’s official guest correspondent at the 2022 CMA Awards. An interview she conducted in 2018 for Forbes.com with Luke Combs that inspired his multi-week No. 1 hit, “Doin’ This.” She has also hosted stages at CMA Fest, moderated an industry panel at Country Radio Seminar, and helped lead important conversations about the evolving landscape of country music media. Beyond journalism, Black has also used her platform to support charitable causes and highlight organizations making an impact. Through Country Now Live, she has helped raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while also advocating for animal rescue through Country Now’s Pupdate series, spotlighting organizations including MuttNation Foundation, Wags & Walks, and Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Black has been recognized as one of Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. She is a longtime member of both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). After nearly 20 years covering country music, Lauren Jo Black has spent her career telling the stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that have shaped the genre. Her first-ever book, Country Music Forever: An A-to-Z Celebration of Icons, Songs and Stories, brings that same passion and firsthand knowledge to the page, celebrating not only the legendary artists and timeless songs that have become the soundtrack to generations of fans, but also the places, traditions, and cultural moments that have made country music one of the most beloved genres around the world.
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