Singer Babyface’s fans were disappointed on Wednesday night after he never showed up for his planned set.
The 64-year-old singer-songwriter (real name: Kenneth Brian Edmonds) was set to open for Anita Baker, 65, but technical delays have delayed the start time significantly, according to TMZ.
In an Instagram post addressing his fans, Babyface appeared to lay the blame for his lack of a set on Baker, claiming he was asked not to perform to give the singer “her space and time to do her show in his own way.” complete’. ‘
The Newark, New Jersey show was pushed back two hours, which frustrated fans excited to see Babyface and Baker.
When the show finally got underway, the audience was told that it had been postponed due to “technical delays” and therefore Babyface would not be performing.
Missed: Babyface, 64, leaves fans in Newark, NJ, disappointed Wednesday after his one-hour opening set was canceled after a two-hour delay on his show with Anita Baker, 65; seen in April in Beverly Hills
According to TMZ, technical issues with video screens and sound issues delayed the show by two hours. Babyface fell through, but Baker performed her full set; seen in 2017
There were reportedly plenty of boos from the public, and Babyface’s brief statement on social media doesn’t seem to have calmed angry fans.
“I’m really sorry for my fans who have been waiting for us to take the stage tonight at the Prudential Center,” he began.
“I was asked not to perform to give Ms. Baker the space and time to perform her show in its entirety,” Babyface claimed. “My band and I are extremely sad that we couldn’t perform for you tonight 💔.”
Fans expressed their displeasure in the comments on Instagram and Twitter, though several directed their anger at Baker, interpreting his message as a swipe at her.
“Kenneth, I’m not going to lie. I’m BIG CRAZY! I paid for you. This experience was a ***show,” one person complained, saying they were trying to book a hotel to see him at a later date.
“For those going, just shout “BABYFACE” during her set. That should work!’ joked another person, while some fans suggested that Baker should have headlined Babyface instead.
Sources at the production told TMZ that it was the large video screens that allowed Baker to be seen by fans in the nosebleed sections that malfunctioned and delayed the start time by several hours.
The tour company reportedly couldn’t get them to work properly, and there were also sound problems that persisted even after the performance had begun.
While some fans would probably have loved to stay late for a postponed show, the venue had a 11 p.m. curfew, meaning the entire show couldn’t go on as planned.
Pointing fingers: In an Instagram post addressing his fans, Babyface appeared to blame Baker for not having a set, claiming he was asked not to perform to give the singer “her space and time to do her show to be carried out in its entirety
Back and forth: Sources said there were discussions about shortening his set, but it was ultimately decided to let Baker continue as usual, according to TMZ; seen in February in Glendale, Arizona
Not bad blood: In a statement, Babyface clarified to TMZ that he had just repeated what a podium hand told him, and that he had no problem with Baker; seen in 2004
Sources said there were discussions about cutting Babyface’s set, which normally runs for an hour, to a shorter length, but it was eventually canceled to give Baker all the time she needed.
While fans interpreted Babyface’s post as a swipe at Baker, sources on the tour claimed there were no signs of tension between the two, and they’ve been touring since January.
Babyface later clarified his position on Baker in a statement to TMZ, suggesting that he harbored no ill will towards her.
“I would never upstage Anita Baker. I have too much love and respect for her and I look forward to continuing the tour,” he said. “I was just repeating what the stagehand said after all the technical difficulties.”