Organisers talk Shamoon Ismail's Karachi gig ending midway

The 'Rung' singer was already performing when local authorities halted the show over SOP violations

Shamoon Ismail was rather pumped to be back on stage this weekend at Karachi's Avari Towers. The singer, on Saturday, was welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd grooving to his popular tracks until the band and the ongoing concert was abruptly halted by police officials for allegedly violating social-distancing SOPs at the venue.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Sohaib Lari of the Big Foot Music, who was playing bass for Ismail that night, shared they had already performed six songs when the concert was brought to an abrupt halt. "We were already six tracks into the performance when we were told that we have been asked to stop the show," he recalled.

"The officials from the commissioner's office had arrived at the venue and weren't too pleased with how the audience was not following the Covid-19 SOPs. We were told that due to the violation of said SOPs, we have to end the concert. That is when the management told us to cut it off."

Lari added the show went on for a couple of hours. "We got on stage around 8:15, after the DJ was done with his gig. Around 9pm, we were asked to get off of the stage and leave the premises as well. There was police and all we could hear was ‘band karein jee, issay band karain’ (shut this right now). So, we had no other choice but to end the night."

Ismail, later, took to Instagram and spoke on the matter too. The singer shared an Instagram story, writing, "Unexpected end to a great vibe." He added, "K-town fam, love you forever!"

Rumours about a fine of Rs100,000 being imposed on the organisers have been making rounds since Saturday. While the organisers didn’t address this, they went on to give out an official statement on the matter. Taking to Instagram, Salt Arts shared, “Last night, Salt Arts produced its 103rd show since its inception in 2015, featuring artists Shamoon Ismail and SIDD. The show was held at the Avari Towers poolside. All permits had been secured well in advance and the teams remained in touch with relevant departments, before and during the day of the event.”

The statement further read that the show began at 6:30 pm and was originally planned to conclude by 9:45 as per the government's directives for Covid-19. "The show was abruptly closed by authorities at 9:15, without any warning or dialogue. Salt Arts respects regulations and we have always communicated the same to our audience and constantly seek cooperation," it said.

Talking about the precautionary measures taken by the organisers, it was said that the audience size was reduced to 300 instead of a regular 1,000. Thermal screening, availability of masks and sanitizers, a ‘no mask no entry’ policy, dividers between lounges and single chairs instead of sofas to ensure social distancing was adopted for safety.

"We stand by the earnestness of our hardworking teams, artists and partners who have put in weeks of labour to produce the show," the statement added. "We thank everyone for the immense love and support that has been pouring in."

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