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Country music star Eric Church has made a business decision.
Rather than entertaining his fans on Saturday night at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas, Church has announced he’s canceling the show so he can put on his own fan cap and attend the NCAA Tournament in New Orleans, Louisiana to root on his North Carolina Tar Heels in their Final Four clash against rival Duke.
Church said the move was “the most selfish thing” he’s done while asking fans to understand his decision.
“To the Church Choir, this Saturday, my family and I are going to stand together to cheer on the Tar Heels as the team has made it to the Final Four,” Church wrote in a statement. “As a lifelong Carolina basketball fan, I’ve watched Carolina and Duke battle over the years but to have them matchup in the Final Four for the first time in the history of the NCAA Tournament is any sports enthusiast’s dream.
#UNC super fan Eric Church on the court during Carolina’s celebration in Philadelphia. pic.twitter.com/mD6ph85H87
— Ross Martin (@RossMartin_IC) March 28, 2022
“This is also the most selfish thing I’ve ever asked the Choir to do: give up your Saturday night plans with us so that I can have this moment with my family and sports community. However, it’s that same type of passion felt by the people who fill the seats at our concerts that makes us want to be part of a crowd at a game of this significance.
“Woody Durham always said, ‘Go where you go and do what you do,’ thanks for letting me go here and be with the Tar Heels.”
While some fans seemed to understand his decision, others were upset that they made travel plans and booked flights and hotels that are non-refundable. Naturally, they took to Twitter to voice their displeasure.
@ericchurch absolutely unacceptable. My husband and I have tickets to your show this weekend in San Antonio. Plus our hotel room because we live in Austin, and you canceled because you want to go see a basketball game. #nolongerafan
— Kris Withrow (@krismoore62431) March 29, 2022
Really disappointed in @ericchurch. For an artist that states he cares so much for his fans to absolutely screw over so many that have to schedule time off from work and those that plan flights to go see him. This is pathetic and shows Eric’s word to his commitments means nothing
— Countrymusicoutburst (@Countrymusicou1) March 30, 2022
I like Eric Church but this is one heck of a dick move. People had non-refundable travel plans booked. Yikes. Seriously selfish. https://t.co/vRZ9EyG1b1
— The Hoarse Whisperer (@TheRealHoarse) March 30, 2022
@ericchurch took off work✅ paid triple for front row seats✅ paid for first class round trip flights for me and my lady on the anniversary✅ two nights and a car rental✅ total about 4,015$ refunded= 2,158.66 but I hope you enjoy the basketball game!
— Justin Nowlin Fishing (@JNowlinFishing) March 30, 2022
@ericchurch fans are finally figuring out what I have known all along. He doesn’t give a shit about his fans. He is self centered and all about him. Ask anyone who has worked for or with him they will tell you the same. He goes thru crew and employees like bic lighters.
— Paul Rogers (@PAULDROGERZ) March 30, 2022
@ericchurch Being country use to mean being a man of your word. You're bailing on your obligation to go watch a basketball game? How shameful. Bailing on events generate financial loss for more than just ticket holders. #rude pic.twitter.com/dZPlG1yx9K
— Patrick Navarro (@CryptoKillaWail) March 29, 2022
@ericchurch cancelling a concert that your fans have bought tickets to so that you can go to a basketball game seems like a self centered, disrespectful move. #NotClassy pic.twitter.com/jqvZLnbANa
— Steve Lancaster (@slancasterTX) March 29, 2022
Look, I get it. It sucks. But at the end of the day, it’s a music concert. There will be many more. But watching your favorite team knock off their bitter rival in a game could be the last of Coach K’s career comes once in a lifetime.
