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Eric Church shocked fans — iconically dubbed the “Church Choir” — when he released a statement explaining his decision to cancel an upcoming concert on Saturday (April 2). It’s all because of a basketball game.
Church announced in an emailed statement that he would nix his upcoming show at the AT&T Center, located in San Antonio, Texas. Instead, “my family and I are going to stand together to cheer on the Tar Heels as the team has made it to the Final Four,” the country artist announced. Ticket holders will receive refunds, processed to the original method of payment, according to the statement sent to concert goers. The statement continued:
“As a lifelong Carolina basketball fan, I’ve watched Carolina and Duke battle over the years but to have them matchup in the Final Four for the first time in the history of the NCAA Tournament is any sports enthusiast’s dream.
“This is also the most selfish thing I’ve ever asked the Choir to do: to give up your Saturday night plans with us so that I can have this moment with my family and sports community. However, it’s that same type of passion felt by the people who fill the seats at our concerts that makes us want to be part of a crowd at a game of this significance.
“Woody Durham always said, ‘Go where you go and do what you do,’ thanks for letting me go here and be with the Tar Heels.”
Though some fans have expressed understanding, others have expressed disapproval of the “unprofessional” decision, including those who have noted that many concert goers have to make arrangements to attend shows (including travel expenses, vacation days and more). Church has not addressed the decision on his social media channels as of publication time on Wednesday morning (March 30).