In a quiet announcement last week, R&B performer Chris Brown‘s planned August 23rd concert at Montreal’s Parc Jean-Drapeau was cancelled, marking a premature end to what would have been his first Montreal appearance since June 2024.
Event promoters Evenko and Live Nation offered no specific explanation, simply stating that “the event organizer has been forced to cancel your event.” Ticketmaster has begun processing automatic refunds to all purchasers.
The cancellation comes barely three weeks after tickets went on sale, with industry insiders noting that sales appeared sluggish for the 45,000-capacity venue. Meanwhile, Brown’s team simultaneously announced he would instead perform at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford, Connecticut, on the same date.
Toronto remains the sole Canadian stop on Brown’s “Breezy Bowl XX” tour, with a nearly sold-out show at Rogers Stadium on August 20th. A second Toronto date was added alongside seven other new tour dates announced this week.
The Montreal cancellation follows a decidedly mixed reaction when the concert was initially announced in March. The polarized response highlighted the ongoing controversy surrounding Brown, who pleaded guilty to felony assault against then-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009. His reputation was further damaged by a five-year restraining order granted to ex-girlfriend Karrueche Tran in 2017, who alleged threats and abuse.
Some fans expressed disappointment at the cancellation on social media, while others questioned whether Brown should be permitted to perform in Canada at all, given his history of domestic violence.
Neither Brown’s management nor the concert promoters responded to requests for comment on whether the cancellation was related to ticket sales or public backlash. However, the stark contrast between Toronto’s enthusiastic reception and Montreal’s lukewarm response suggests market factors played a significant role in the decision.
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