A stand-up comedian has blamed the Oasis gigs at Murrayfield Stadium after she cancelled her two performances at the Fringe Festival. Kate Smurthwaite took to social media to lash out at the rock band, saying, “Oasis should be more considerate”. The reunion tour has now landed in Edinburgh for three dates: August 8, August 9, and August 12. However, the concerts clash during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which is the world’s biggest arts festival. The English comedian informed her followers that she noticed a difference in attendees when flyering for her show in the city centre. She then revealed that she axed two of her scheduled gigs due to a lack of attendance.
She argued: “Big groups of people in Oasis shirts are not interested in my show or anybody else’s. I’m also aware of performers losing their accommodations because landlords have suddenly realised they can make more money by renting the space out to Oasis fans. It’s absolutely heartbreaking to be cancelling shows for the first time in ten years at the Edinburgh Fringe.”
Kate, 49, continued: “I’m pulling shows because no one turned up. I think the Fringe Society should have seen this coming and done more about it, and a band like Oasis should be more considerate of their fellow performers when they decide where and when to put their shows on.”
She also added the caption: “The Oasis Effect. Cancelled 2/3 of my shows so far today. Please if you’re local or able to get to a Edinburgh come and support Fringe acts as the city gets turned into an Oasis-only zone and we all suffer.”
Many of her followers responded in mixed ways to her cancellations, with several saying that she shouldn’t blame Oasis. One person typed: “Cmon, you can’t blame Oasis. It’s one of the biggest musical comebacks of our generation, but you really think Oasis or any band, for that matter, won’t put a show on because the fringe is on? That’s laughable. Completely different crowds, too. If anything, it’ll bring more people to the city!”
Another also chimed in: “Gonna be honest mate, there were plenty of people at Rizzle Kicks on the night of the first Oasis date at Heaton Park. Rizzle Kicks! I think the problem might not be Oasis.”
However, many fans sympathised with the comedian. One commented, “Dearest Kate, I am so so sorry… I really hope to get to see you. Sending so much love and support.”
A second also similarly echoed: “I agree! I don’t understand why Oasis couldn’t have come at a different time. What were they thinking?”
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival runs for four weeks every summer. The Scottish capital will also stage huge performances by Chappell Roan, AC/DC and Sam Fender, which also clash with the Fringe.