Broadcast absence causes concert kerfuffle

Nickelback headlined the Alberta Flood Aid Concert.

Many people who couldn't be at the Alberta Flood Aid Concert at McMahon on Thursday night watched it live on TV and were surprised when the broadcast cut out before the main event.

The performance by headliner Nickelback was not broadcast on television and many people were left wondering why.

The broadcast ended before the band took the stage and a tweet from a major sponsor apologized for not broadcasting the performance, saying it was at the request of the band.

The band’s absence on the air-waves created a bit of a controversy on social media and critics weighed in on the decision calling it selfish and arrogant.

Well-known Calgarian Brett Wilson also tweeted saying “Why did @Nickelback refuse to be part of the broadcast show? The key to fundraising for @ABFloodAid ongoing support. #WhoManagesThemEh?”

On Friday, organizers said the decision was made to give a special treat to ticket holders.

"It had always been the intention that this was going to be, that the final act, whoever they were going to be, was not going to be broadcast. It was going to be more of a gift for the audience that was here and a consideration so it had nothing to do with the band. As far as I know," said organizer Peter Jurisic.

The band has not commented on the controversy and sent out their own tweets saying they were “Honored to be part of @ABFloodAid tonight!” and Thank you to the bands, crew, promoters & Albertans who donated their time to make last night a huge success. Proud to be part of it!”

(With files from Bill Macfarlane)