Lovers & Friends Festival Canceled, Citing Dangerous Winds 

Lovers & Friends was called off just a day ahead of the Las Vegas festival because of the threat of “dangerous 30-35 mph sustained winds with gusts potentially more than 60 mph.” The star-studded lineup was to feature some of the biggest artists in R&B, pop and hip-hop including Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, and Snoop Dogg.

Other performers who were set to take the stage at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds May 4 included Gwen Stefani, Lil Wayne (performing Tha Carter III), Backstreet Boys, Nas, Usher (performing Confessions), Nelly Furtado, Ludacris, Ciara, Nelly, Ja Rule, Ashanti, TLC, Akon, Ne-Yo, T-Pain, M.I.A. and more. 

An announcement posted on the festival website notes that “Ticket holders who purchased their tickets directly through Front Gate Tickets will receive a refund within 30 days to the original form of payment.” The full statement is posted below in italics.  

The inaugural edition of Lovers & Friends was initially supposed to take place in May, 2020, with an event put on by Goldenvoice Presents. After the pandemic brought live shows to a halt, Lovers & Friends eventually was held on two days in May 2022 (with the same lineup each day), presented by Live Nation, Snoop Dogg and Bobby Dee.

The 2023 poster notes that the festival was presented by Usher, with press and editorial inquiries listed on the fest’s website as C3 Presents. The 2023 festival featured Missy Elliott’s first billed performance since 2019, along with Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Usher, 50 Cent, Nelly, Pitbull and more. 

“Mannn … I’m just as disappointed as you are,” Usher posted on his Instagram story Saturday, according to USA Today.  “We were getting ready to turn up and celebrate today. I have to follow the orders of city officials and the National Weather Service for everyone’s protection and stand strong in my belief that everything happens for a reason.”

He added, “I’m sorry we won’t get to see each other today, but know that I am always working on something to express my heartfelt gratitude for each and every one of you who continue to support me. I’ll see you soon.”

Lovers & Friends is just the latest live event canceled because of severe weather. In April Texas Eclipse, a one-time music festival taking place in Burnett, Texas, was forced to call off its final days of programming because of the threat of “high winds, tornado activity, large hail and thunderstorms.” The announcement was made hours before the event’s namesake, the Great North American Eclipse, was to be viewed in full totality. The festival, which was scheduled April 5-9, opened its doors on April 3 and included performances by Zeds Dead, Subtronics, Skream, Tipper and more.

READ MORE:
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STATEMENT FROM LOVERS & FRIENDS FESTIVAL:
Saturday’s Lovers & Friends Festival at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds has been canceled.  

Lovers & Friends Festival organizers have been monitoring the weather for several days and proactively preparing for a windy Saturday.  However, the National Weather Service has now issued a High Wind Warning, including dangerous 30-35 mph sustained winds with gusts potentially more than 60 mph.  Following advice from the National Weather Service and in consultation with local public officials, we must make the safest decision for our fans, artists, and staff, and cancel tomorrow’s Lovers & Friends Festival. 

This was an incredibly heartbreaking decision to make as we are aware that fans have traveled from all over the world to enjoy this incredible lineup of superstars and have been looking forward to this event for several months.  We’ve worked hard to create an amazing event for you, and we are just as disappointed as you are.

Ticket holders who purchased their tickets directly through Front Gate Tickets will receive a refund within 30 days to the original form of payment.