Canadian singing sensation Justin Bieber has been spending the better part of 2016 and nearly half of 2017 embarking on his “Purpose” World Tour. In between breaks he had time to do collaborations such as with Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee on remixing “Despacito” which has also been included in his “Purpose” concert repertoire. One has to hand it to Bieber for helping the Puerto Rican song gain momentum as an international hit, despite flubs such as his being crowned a “Latin” music king by Spotify. Thus far “Purpose” has seen Bieber perform 154 shows across the United States and the world, but that ends with his sudden announcement that the rest of the tour is off.

Mysterious cancellation

With only 15 shows left on the “Purpose” World Tour itinerary, Justin Bieber abruptly announced that due to “unforeseen circumstances” they will end the performances after his July 2 concert at Hyde Park in London. A statement from his representative Lauren Morris does not quite elaborate on this development, instead of relaying the pop superstar’s gratitude for the fans who did show up for his previous concerts that took place on and off for the past 18 months. It did state that those who have bought tickets for the now-cancelled shows are assured of being refunded.

No reason has been made forthcoming on the halt to Bieber’s world tour although reports have alleged that the recent banning of the Canadian star performing in China – a “Purpose” tour stop – might have been a factor.

The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture cited a history of “bad behavior” on the part of Bieber that spurred them to have the local government put the kibosh on his concert in the city, much to the disappointment of his Chinese fandom. The idol was supposed to perform September 16 and 23, in Beijing and Shanghai respectively.

Tickets wasted

There were no comments from Justin Bieber or the rest of his representatives following the release of the public statement. As a result ticket buyers from Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore and back in the US have been left hanging in the sudden end of the “Purpose” World Tour. In the first half of 2017 alone Bieber’s tour dates averaged some 38,297 tickets for every performance, with a total gross of $93.2 million.

Regarding the US concert dates at the tail end of the original tour schedule, there’s a high chance that the Canadian singer will be looking at monetary penalties as a result of their cancellation. No reliable source knows what Bieber has in mind now. At least his “Despacito” remix is still solid on the charts.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED