Lana Del Rey’s highly anticipated UK and Ireland tour kicked off in Cardiff on Monday night, but the opening performance at the Principality Stadium quickly stirred controversy among many attendees who criticised the singer for a late start and a significantly shortened setlist.
The “Video Games” star reportedly took to the stage over 20 minutes later than scheduled. Coupled with a strict 10:30 pm venue curfew, this delay left Del Rey with only approximately 90 minutes to perform. While some fans measured the set at closer to 83 minutes, the result was a setlist comprising just 15 songs, including two covers.
Ticket prices for the concert ranged steeply from around £78 to £420, adding to the frustration for many who felt the performance length did not justify the cost.
Fan Frustration Erupts Online
Social media platforms became a hub for disappointed concertgoers voicing their grievances. Complaints were widespread, citing the show’s brevity, perceived lack of energy, and a setlist that some felt was repetitive compared to previous tours.
One fan lamented, “Lana Del Rey played just over an hour set, hid behind a wall for 20 mins, sang the same setlist as the last 3 years, overpriced tickets and is playing covers. Lana babe, i love you but sort it out.” Another echoed the sentiment on X (formerly Twitter), “Lana Del Rey’s Cardiff show wasn’t even 90 minutes and she was late? Abysmal.”
Specific observations shared online included claims that Del Rey read lyrics from an iPhone during an acapella performance of “Salvatore” and briefly “snogged her husband” on stage. The show’s pacing was also a point of contention for some, with a TikTok user expressing disappointment despite not wanting to be negative. Furthermore, for tracks like “Norman Fing Rockwell” and “Arcadia,” reports suggest Del Rey appeared as a projection while shortened studio versions played, rather than performing them live.
Value for Money and Artist Reliability
The outcry over the short set and high prices highlights a common flashpoint for concertgoers: the perceived value for money and the reliability of live performances. With artists like Morrissey also facing recent fan anger over frequent, last-minute cancellations citing various reasons like ‘crew exhaustion’, fans are increasingly vocal about their expectations. While the issues differ – cancellation versus a late/shortened set – both tap into fan frustration when the live experience doesn’t meet expectations, especially after investing significant time and money into tickets and travel. The demand for artists to deliver a substantial performance commensurate with ticket costs remains a key factor in fan satisfaction.
Positive Notes Amidst Criticism
Despite the negative feedback, many other fans and professional critics praised aspects of the Cardiff show. Lana Del Rey’s vocal performance received frequent commendation, described by attendees as “amazing” and “brilliant.” The stage production also earned positive remarks, with many appreciating the “beautiful staging” and the clear effort put into the visual elements of the show.
Some attendees shared positive experiences online, noting they had a “really good time” and loved the chosen setlist despite the issues. Emotional moments, particularly during the performance of “Ocean Boulevard,” were highlighted by fans who were moved to tears seeing their idol live.
Professional critics largely reviewed the show more favourably, awarding it four stars. The Times described the performance as “gloomy but exquisite,” The Guardian called it “mid-century melodrama as mindblowing stadium spectacle,” and Rolling Stone hailed it as a “dazzling stadium debut.”
History of Lateness
This isn’t the first time Lana Del Rey has faced issues with punctuality on stage. Her set at Glastonbury in 2023 was notably cut short by organisers after she started late, a delay she attributed at the time to her hair taking “so long to do.”
Lana Del Rey’s representatives and LiveNation have been contacted for comment regarding the Cardiff performance.
Upcoming UK & Ireland Tour Dates
Fans still have opportunities to see Lana Del Rey live on her tour:
26 June 2025: Hampden Park, Glasgow
28 June 2025: Anfield Stadium, Liverpool
30 June 2025: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
3 July 2025: Wembley Stadium, London
- 4 July 2025: Wembley Stadium, London
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The controversy from the opening night in Cardiff has undoubtedly set a challenging tone for the rest of the tour, placing fan expectations and artist reliability under the spotlight.
