One Direction’s sold-out show at the Dubai Sevens Stadium will go on despite the sudden departure of Zayn Malik.
Thomas Ovesen, chief executive of Done Events, the show’s promoter, said while Malik’s exit “is sad for the band and fans”, the show will take place on April 4 as scheduled.
“I am still putting on a One Direction show,” he said. “The only difference is that they are now a four piece rather than a five piece.
“The biggest challenge for that show would be for the fans, particularly those who are very emotionally invested in the band, to adjust to the fact there are now four members. That is a big thing for some, but for me it makes no difference.”
Mr Ovesen said no one has contacted Done Events requesting ticket refunds since the announcement on Wednesday that Malik was leaving the band.
Mr Ovesen said Done Events would consider refund requests on a case-by-case basis.
“If you are One Direction fan, and you have one of these treasured tickets, then I don’t understand why you still don’t want to go,” he said. “But, by all means, if someone doesn’t want to go then I can find somebody else.”
With the Dubai show nine days away, Mr Ovesen conceded it is too late to change the merchandise on offer, all of which will show five members of the band.
“Grab the posters showing the five boys as soon as you can because the band will record a new album in the summer as a four piece,” he said. “So this will be the last chance for you to grab something showing the original band.”
sasaeed@thenational.ae