Canadian fans say they could lose hundreds on Billy Joel tickets after U.S. border rules block them from concert
Billy Joel fans in Canada are trying to get refunds for their concert tickets as the U.S.-Canada border closure prevents them from attending the event.
The concert, originally scheduled for summer 2020, is now set to take place in Buffalo, N.Y. on Aug. 14.
The U.S. land border restrictions will extend until at least Aug. 21, however. Currently, travel over the border is limited to essential purposes.
“This makes it impossible for myself and fellow Canadians to attend this event,” Mike Kovach told CTV News on Thursday.
Canadian fans have left comments on a post on Billy Joel’s Facebook page announcing the Aug. 14 concert, expressing their frustrations.
Kovach bought five tickets at $149.45 USD each, coming to a total of $747.25 USD — nearly $1,000 CAD today.
On a post announced the Aug. 14 on Billy Joel’s Facebook page, Canadians fans have left comments expressing their frustrations.
“I am in Canada and now that they have announced the border still remains closed until august 21st we can’t go. Of course, Ticketmaster won’t refund nor answer my phone calls. Shameful really,” wrote one fan.
Another, trying to sell their tickets in the comment section, called it a "Canadian dilemma."
Kovach said that refunds were offered when the show was originally postponed last year, but not thinking that the border would be closed for as long as it has been, he decided to keep his tickets.
“I’ve made numerous inquiries to Ticketmaster but a refund [has been] denied,” he said, adding that the ‘Sell Your Tickets’ feature on Ticketmaster’s website has also been greyed out.
CTV News Toronto has reached out to Ticketmaster and Billy Joel's online team for their comment on the issue, but has yet to receive a response.
“It should be clear to the promoters, as well as Mr. Joel, that the show should be postponed or outright cancelled until the border and travel protocols have returned to normal,” Kovach said.
Jessica M., who asked not to have her surname published, is facing the same issue.
Jessica told CTV News Toronto Thursday that she bought tickets for the show that she has been unable to obtain refunds for.
“The average price for a pair of tickets is $500 USD that we are now out,” she said. “We have tried to contact Ticketmaster, the venue, Billy Joel's party, and none of them can be of any assistance.”
She says that Mastercard won't dispute the charge, as well.
Jessica argued that the show should be cancelled or postponed due to the border closure and that Canadian fans are unlikely to receive refunds.
“This concert is going to be empty, and all of us Canadians are out, on average, about $500 USD each. I truly cannot believe it.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior thought he called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Her fiance has been in prison for 49 years. She's trying to free him before it’s too late
She was lying in bed on a Thursday morning, thinking about the man she loved, hoping to win his freedom before time ran out.