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.

By

Lauren Jo Black

| Posted on

September 4, 2022

at

9:33 am

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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.

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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.”

Luke Combs has always been my favorite singer for a long time. This is my 3rd concert and I couldn’t have been happier…

Posted by Emily Marie on Saturday, September 3, 2022

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.”

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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.”

https://twitter.com/TheRyanPoland/status/1566254080879738881?s=20&t=oAyjXqOSMM2mZ1gB_CT_Ig

“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!”

https://twitter.com/rlmaine20/status/1566273528982290438?s=20&t=oAyjXqOSMM2mZ1gB_CT_Ig

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; Photo by Andrew Wendowski
Luke Combs; Photo by Andrew Wendowski

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.

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Lauren Jo Black

Written by

Lauren Jo Black

Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.