Thunderstorms, Confusion Cloud Thomas Rhett’s Wisconsin Show

Thunderstorms and poor communication caused mass confusion at Thomas Rhett's show in Wisconsin on August 9.

Seek Shelter, Then Go Home?

What was supposed to be a magical night of country music under the Wisconsin stars turned into a frustrating mess for many fans attending Thomas Rhett's Better in Boots tour at Alpine Valley Music Theater.

The outdoor music venue in East Troy, Wisconsin, was right in the path of severe thunderstorms that barreled through the area just as the concert was about to begin at 7:30 pm with openers Tucker Wetmore and Dasha.

Lightning, strong winds, and heavy rain quickly moved over the music theater, sending fans scrambling for shelter as announcements were made for those sitting in the lawn area to leave the venue and find shelter in their vehicles, or in the Expo building.

It was at 7:43 pm that a text message was sent telling Thomas Rhett fans who are outside the venue to "tune car radios to FM 92.7 for updates," and that regular updates would be posted to Alpine Valley Music Theater's social media channels.

Around 7:53 pm, a recorded audio message played on the 92.7 radio station saying the show would be postponed until a later date. That's when many fans started heading for the exits.

Messages continued to play on the 92.7 radio station, saying the entrance to Alpine Valley Music Theater was closed and no other fans would be let into the parking lot or the music venue.

The Show Is Now Going to Happen?

As many fans are heading home, disappointed but hopeful they will see the full show at a later date, another text message was sent out by Alpine Valley.

At 8:15 pm, an update was sent saying they are "still hoping to get the show going soon" and to "stay tuned for another update."

Then, at 8:45 pm, this message was sent via text and posted on social media channels:

Thomas Rhett Fans: We are ready to go! Doors will be opening soon for tonight's show. Please make your way to the gates. Have your tickets open on your phone and ready for scanning to help ease entry into the venue.

Now, fans were really confused. Do they turn around and try to get back in? But they said the gates were closed for the parking lot, and the show was being postponed.

When the concert finally started, only Thomas Rhett took the stage, and according to social media posts, he played only 10 songs. Opening performers Tucker Wetmore and Dasha were cut entirely.

Fans Left in the Rain

Comments made on the Alpine Valley Music Theater Facebook page showed the frustration and disappointment of concert-goers:

This was one of the worst concert rip offs I have ever experienced. Thomas Rhett started at 9:19p and played until 10:24p. Barely 1 hour. No encore. He was supposed to play until 10:50p. And no Tucker Wetmore. The worst part is that they can play much later into the night given that the venue is in the middle of nowhere. My whole group is pissed. Everyone that Thomas Rhett ripped off with his 60 minute performance should get another show or a refund. -Ryan G. via Facebook

The real confusion was about the recorded message on the Alpine Valley Music Theater radio station telling fans that the show is postponed until a later date, but then on the social media channels, nothing about a postponed show was ever posted.

Any updates? We were there and heard on your radio station it was postponed. On our way out we heard delayed. Which is it? I’m afraid to leave the area. -Jennifer G. via Facebook

It's clear that fans are not happy about the miscommunication about the show being postponed, and for those who did stick it out, only getting an hour from the headliner wasn't worth it.

This was a total rip off! Should have rescheduled. I can’t believe he played 10 songs, no openers. I had been looking forward to this! Alpine Valley, I want my money back! -Jill J. via Facebook

Fans are now requesting better communication protocols and increased transparency from venues during severe weather events, as well as consistent messaging across all platforms and channels.

Flooding Adds to the Weekend Mayhem

The concert chaos unfolded during a weekend of historic flooding across southeastern Wisconsin, especially in the Milwaukee area, where dozens of vehicles were left submerged at the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds and near American Family Field.

The widespread weather emergency only added to fans' frustrations, especially when they had to travel through dangerous weather conditions to attend the show.