Kiefer Sutherland becomes latest casualty of 'blue dot fever': 'Don't think it's fair'

'Blue dot fever' has struck again after Kiefer Sutherland announced he has been forced to cancel the US leg of his upcoming tour.

The Hollywood actor and musician, who is promoting his fourth studio album, Grey, revealed that "very low ticket sales" are the reason he has pulled the plug on a portion of his Love Will Bring You Home tour.

"With great disappointment I am going to have to cancel the US leg of my tour due to very low ticket sales," the 59-year-old wrote in the statement on Instagram. 

"I don't think it's fair to the people who have bought tickets, or the venues, to play to half empty houses."

He continued: "I look forward to touring the United States again at a more suitable time. I hope you understand."

The Stand By Me star also noted that "refunds will be available from point of purchase."

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While some fans expressed their disappointment over the news, others praised the 24 star's honesty.

"I really appreciate your honesty and the fact that you don't use illness as an excuse. That makes you even more likeable," one person commented. 

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Another offered reassuring words, writing: "100% a money issue and definitely not lack of popularity. People are struggling to buy basic things to live right now."

Several big-name artists have canceled performances or their entire tours in recent weeks, including the Pussycat Dolls, Meghan Trainor, and Post Malone.

Blue dot fever

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In response to the cancellations, the term 'blue dot fever' has emerged. The phrase is a reference to the blue dots used to signify empty seats (unsold tickets) on ticket-sale websites.

Fans have long complained about the rising cost of concert tickets, and they aren't wrong.

According to Pollstar, the live music industry trade publication, average primary-market ticket prices jumped from $96.17 to $135.92 between 2019 and 2024.

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Blue dot fever hit Kid Cudi, as he canceled his Birmingham, Alabama show on May 5, telling fans that ticket sales "just weren't strong enough."

The Pussycat Dolls also hinted that low ticket sales were why they pulled the plug on all but one date on the North American leg of their reunion tour.

"When we announced the PCD Forever Tour, we hoped to bring the show to fans across the world," a statement shared on social media reads. "After taking an honest look at the North American run, we've made the difficult and heartbreaking decision to cancel all but one of the North America dates."

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Post Malone was due to kick off his Big Ass Stadium Tour with Jelly Roll on May 13, but he has now canceled six dates, including El Paso, Waco, Baton Rouge, Birmingham, Tampa, and Oxford, and will now begin the tour on June 13.

He claimed he needed more time to work on his new music, telling fans on social media: "Truth is, I promised ya'll beautiful people new music, and I don't have time to finish it before tour starts."

However, blue dot fever claims soon struck as screenshots of several blue blocks at one of his shows began circulating online.