Urthboy Calls Out Virgin Australia For Cancelling Band's Seats Ahead Of Gig Tonight

Australian hip hop act and artist/label manager Urthboy (Tim Levinson) has today taken to Twitter to call out Virgin Australia for giving Joyride and band's "seats to someone else with zero explanation or option to be placed on a later flight" following significant delays at Sydney Airport due to storms in recent days. 

"Heads up... anyone flying interstate from Syd next few days. Check-in 24 hrs ahead to avoid Virgin Australia simply giving your seats to someone else as has just happened to a band I manage, causing them to miss their show," said Levinson on Twitter this morning. 

Joyride (Rowan Dix) and band, who are managed by Levinson, were due to support Thundamentals at The Tivoli in Brisbane tonight. 

Band member Caitlin McGregor has told The Music that it will directly impact the band's livelihood if they are unable to perform at the show.

"This is frustrating for everyone, everyone who has had flights cancelled and delayed, and we understand that. From an artist's point of view, shows and tours are our livelihood. We don't have sick days, we don't have holiday pay and if we miss a gig, we've lost that pay cheque."

Virgin Australia have responded to both Urthboy on Twitter, advising the group to contact the Guest Contact Centre, with Levinson sharing that they have already been contacted and that the "airline gave the band's seats to someone else with zero explanation or option to be placed on a later flight." See the full thread here.

Virgin Australia advised to passengers via Twitter yesterday that "Strong westerly winds in Sydney and storms in Melbourne are affecting all airlines today" and use their Flight Status site for updates on delays and cancellations, while Sydney Airport has today advised that "Due to weather conditions, single runway operations are currently in effect."