Conor Oberst walked off stage two songs into Bright Eyes’ headlining set at The Lawn at White Oak Music Hall in Houston last night (May 22). Attendees claimed that the band then opened up the stage for fans to perform “Bright Eyes karaoke” until staff members informed the crowd the show was canceled and everyone would receive refunds. The venue would later sent an email stating: “Due to unexpected circumstances, Bright Eyes was unable to perform at White Oak Music Hall and the show has been officially cancelled.” 

Representatives for Bright Eyes offered no comment. Pitchfork has reached out to the venue.

Bright Eyes started touring this year in March and April, and after a break, picked back up with shows in the Southwest starting on Thursday, May 19. Their tour continues with a show tonight (May 23) in New Orleans’ Orpheum Theater and is scheduled to continue across the U.S. through early July.

Last month they stopped by the Late Show with Stephen Colbert to perform their Down in the Weeds, Where the World Once Was track “Dance and Sing.” In March, they covered Elliott Smith’s “St. Ides Heaven” with Phoebe Bridgers. 

Read Pitchfork’s “5-10-15-20” feature “The Music That Made Conor Oberst.”

https://pitchfork.com/news/conor-oberst-abruptly-walks-out-at-bright-eyes-show-prompting-cancellation-and-refunds