Arena undergoes repair after concert glitch

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Government and SM Seaside Cebu Arena have deployed inspection teams and independent structural specialists to conduct repairs and technical assessments following the last-minute cancellation of American pop-rock duo LANY’s sold-out concert on Thursday, November 12, an abrupt development that left thousands of fans heartbroken.

Under the supervision of the Office of the Building Official (OBO), maintenance and repair works are underway on a compromised section of the arena’s ceiling system after a potential safety hazard was discovered during pre-show sound checks, prompting authorities and organizers to cancel the concert before doors could open.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said calling off the show was a necessary precaution, stressing that public safety remains paramount.

“The Cebu City Government recognizes and appreciates the cooperation of the event organizers and SM Seaside Cebu Arena in prioritizing the safety and welfare of concertgoers, performers, and personnel,” Archival said in a post.

An overnight joint inspection was immediately conducted by the arena’s engineering team, independent structural consultants, the OBO, the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

"Initial assessments show the concern is confined to a specific section of the ceiling system, and the arena's main structure remains sound," SM Seaside Cebu Arena management said in an official statement.

The city government said further technical evaluations would be conducted alongside the ongoing repairs by third-party specialists to ensure that all preventive, corrective, and regulatory requirements are met before affected activities resume.

Archival said City Hall would maintain close coordination with arena management to ensure the safety and welfare of patrons, performers, and personnel.

“The Cebu City Government, through the concerned offices, will continue to coordinate with SM Seaside Cebu Arena to ensure that the necessary safety measures, technical assessments, and compliance requirements are properly addressed before the resumption of affected activities,” Archival said.

The multibillion-peso SM Seaside Cebu Arena, located within the South Coast City development at the South Road Properties, officially opened to the public in July this year. It has a seating capacity of 16,000 and can accommodate up to 25,000 people at full capacity.

Built by SM Prime Holdings as a premier multipurpose indoor venue in the region, the arena was welcomed as a major milestone for local tourism and entertainment, offering Visayas audiences access to major events without having to travel to Manila.

In the months since its opening, the venue has quickly established itself as a major destination for top-tier entertainment and sporting events.

Its debut calendar featured P-pop group BINI’s Signals World Tour in July, followed by concerts by IV of Spades and joint headliners TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan.

It also hosted major sporting events, including the East Asia Super League opener, which drew 10,000 fans, and Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference games, which attracted a record crowd of more than 19,000 in October.

However, reports of falling debris during LANY’s sound check, with frontman Paul Klein saying on social media that a four-foot long piece of steel had fallen from the venue’s roof, dealt a sudden blow to the arena’s successful opening run.

Both SM Seaside Cebu Arena management and concert promoter Live Nation Philippines supported the decision to cancel the show as a precaution to protect concertgoers, artists, and crew members.

For LANY, the Los Angeles-based duo composed of vocalist Paul Klein and drummer Jake Goss, the cancellation was particularly heartbreaking. The group is known for alternative pop-rock hits such as "ILYSB," "Malibu Nights," and "Super Far."

Klein expressed his disappointment in a social media post after learning about the safety concern while on his way to the arena.

"I am super upset not to be playing our sold-out show tonight, and my heart breaks for everyone that took their time and spent their hard-earned money to be with us," Klein said in an Instagram Story.

"I wouldn't be able to live with myself if someone was seriously injured at one of our shows. We will always be coming back, and I hope to see every single one of you next time."

Live Nation Philippines, SM Tickets, and SM Seaside Cebu Arena announced that refunds would be issued for all tickets purchased for the cancelled November 12 show, with the procedures to be communicated through their official channels.

The cancelled Cebu show adds to a challenging stretch for the band's Soft World Tour. LANY had successfully staged its first Cebu show on November 6, followed by back-to-back performances in Bulacan on November 7 and 8.

The cancellation also came after the earlier decision to call off the band's scheduled November 14 concert in Davao City due to separate production and safety concerns. — Caecent No-ot Magsumbol/FPL