Australian pop-rock band 5 Seconds of Summer, often shortened to 5SOS, left fans in consternation at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands Sunday night after one of their members walked off the stage mid-concert, cutting the show short.
The band took the stage for their set at 8:40 p.m. Sunday following a performance by English indie rock band Pale Waves. However, after a few songs, 27-year-old drummer Ashton Irwin, one of four members of the band, was reportedly escorted off the stage halfway through the concert.
5SOS issued a statement Monday afternoon via Instagram story confirming that Irwin was actually taken to a local hospital where he was treated for heat exhaustion. “As you may have heard, last night’s show ended early due to a medical incident during the show,” the statement read. “Upon experiencing physical symptoms, Ashton was taken to a local hospital for test results and medical review. As a result, it was advised Ashton had experienced extreme heat exhaustion.”
5SOS gave an update via Instagram on drummer Ashton Irwin’s condition after the band canceled it’s Woodlands concert Sunday.
Instagram/@5SOSThe band said Irwin is doing OK and is recovering well. “We apologize to all the fans in attendance for the show being cut short,” the statement read, which also advised ticket holders to check their emails for updates as soon as they receive more information. It’s not clear whether the concert will be rescheduled for a later date. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion did not respond to a request for comment by the time of this writing.
Videos posted by fans online show the moment a crew member announced the cancellation. “Unfortunately, the show cannot continue tonight,” he said. “Hold onto your tickets. We will reach out with more information soon.” In the video, shocked fans can be heard shrieking and shouting expletives in response.
*Warning: Video contains NSFW language*
Some fans reported seeing an ambulance at the venue as they exited. One video showed a crew member running over to Irwin with what appeared to be an oxygen tank. The Lone Star State has been gripped by an ongoing heat wave during the month of June. Temperatures in the Woodlands Sunday peaked at 97 degrees.
A 5SOS fan page wrote, “5SOS are taking a break from the show while Ashton receives medical attention— probably from heat exhaustion or just exhaustion in general. Apparently the venue also has run out of water for the pit.” Thousands of 5SOS fans wrote messages of support online, sending Irwin’s name into trending topics on Twitter Monday.
“Screw Texas heat why would you do that to 5SOS,” tweeted one disappointed fan along with a meme showing a gun aimed at the sun. “Respect 5SOS. Especially Ashton. They’ve been playing in extreme heat for the past couple of days. There is no reason for anyone to be mad at them for not finishing this show,” wrote another.
“Keeping Ashton, Luke, Michael, and Calum in my thoughts tonight,” tweeted another fan. “I hope you’re okay Ash we love you so so much. As much as we love to see 5SOS their health is more important.”
The Woodlands show was part of 5SOS’s 2022 Take My Hand North American Tour, which just kicked off this month. The band previously performed in Austin Friday and Irving, Texas on Saturday. Their next performance is scheduled for Tuesday in Rogers, Arkansas.
5SOS has released four studio albums and several EPs since forming in 2011. The band has amassed more the 22 million followers on Instagram and Twitter.
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