Hurricane Threat Forces Kenny Chesney Change

Predictions of hurricane-level storms for New England this weekend has forced Kenny Chesney to move his Sunday gig in Massachusetts to Friday.

Photo: Jason Moore

"Stagecoach: California’s Country Music Festival," Empire Polo Field, Indio, Calif.

Chesney was originally scheduled to play Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass., Aug. 28, but the country star moved the show to Friday, Aug. 26.

Upgraded to a major Category Three storm, Hurricane Irene is currently over the Bahamas as residents of North Carolina’s Ocracoke Island begin to evacuate. Federal officials have warned that the hurricane could cause flooding and power outages along the East Coast, possibly stretching as far north as Maine.

“Our first and foremost priority is the fans’ safety,” TMG/AEG Live promoter Louis Messina said in a statement. “So we have made the difficult decision to reschedule the show.”

Other than the change in date, everything else, including lineup and set-times remains the same. Zac Brown Band, Billy Currington and Uncle Kracker are also on the bill.

“I want the last weekend of the ‘Goin’ Coastal’ tour to be a great experience for everybody. But I also want it to be the safest experience for everyone,” Chesney said. “I’ve always said Foxboro is a highlight of our tour, because the fans are ready for a great night of music and fun no matter what night it is!”

Photo: AP Photo

A man walks where a wave sprays the street as the outer bands of Hurricane Irene affect Baracoa, Cuba

Tickets for the Sunday show will be honored on the new date. Refunds are available at points of purchase. Check out KennyChesney.com for more information.