Entry To Louis Tomlinson's Brisbane Show Turned Into 'Chaos'

Louis Tomlinson fans have detailed a “hectic” wristband entry system to the UK singer’s Brisbane show on Tuesday (30 January), with one fan describing entrance into the Riverstage as “chaos”.

According to a recent Brisbane Times report, the One Direction star’s fans were prohibited from camping outside the venue from Monday night due to severe weather conditions, but venue organisers apparently handed out “golden” wristbands to punters who lined up a day early.

Around 2,000 fans lined up overnight, with fights reportedly breaking out between fans who found out about the golden wristbands – they’d have to wait for the actual wristband system to begin at 9:30 am Tuesday. From 9:30 am to 5:15 pm, punters at the venue were to receive numbered wristbands to enter the space in order.

One fan described what ensued – entrance into the venue – as a “stampede”. On X (Twitter), one attendee quipped, “What is Anthony Albanese’s plan to organise the Louis Tomlinson concert at Riverstage?”. Another fan called some of the behaviours in the queue “embarrassing”, while another wrote, “So mad about the wristband situation for Riverstage for Louis”.

Fans alleged that the wristband number system wasn’t honoured, and entrance to the Riverstage ended up being a “hectic free-for-all” that descended into “chaos”.

A fan told the Brisbane Times that she saw a punter experience a panic attack and collapse while others near her suffered from injuries. Concert promoters Live Nation said three people required first-aid while queuing on Tuesday morning, and some fans sought medical assistance for anxiety, dehydration and pre-existing heart conditions.

Following an investigation, Live Nation said there was no stampede but acknowledged “some initial running which was stopped and controlled”.

Most of Tomlinson’s Australian tour setlist has consisted of songs from the singer’s latest album, Faith In The Future, but OG One Direction fans were also served, with Tomlinson performing the old-school hits Drag Me Down and Where Do Broken Hearts Go.

In addition to paying tribute to the band that kickstarted his career, Tomlinson played another cover: 505 by Arctic Monkeys.

Before this tour, Tomlinson last performed in Australia in July 2022. Faith In The Future was a smash hit with local listeners, hitting #2 on the ARIA Charts.