With a line-up considered by some to be one of its best in recent times, Sting was expected to make a triumphant return to its glory days on Thursday. However, news of a last-minute postponement “due to unforeseen circumstances” left eager concert-goers woefully disappointed on Boxing Day.

Isaiah Laing, head of event organiser Supreme Promotions Limited, initially pointed the finger at production company Clearsound, stating that payment had been made in full for its services but it had halted its activities. However, that claim was denied by the production house.

In a statement highlighting reasons for the late postponement, Laing said; “Clearsound Production has been paid in full but the show, sadly, cannot go on.”

He went further to share that, as a result of the public holidays, bank transfers made earlier this week may not be reflected in that company’s account just yet.

In a sober response, Clearsound stated that Laing’s remarks “may be deemed as ‘prima facie defamatory’ “ and staunchly defended the position it had taken.

In a statement to the media, Clearsound said it had been contracted to deliver audio, visuals, lighting, power generation, roofing system, and pyrotechnics for Sting 2024 at an agreed mobilisation amount of $8 million to be paid by December 22, 2024.

The December 26, 2024 statement detailed that: “Despite assurances and word-of-mouth promises, a total of only $1 million was received from the Mr Laing (sic), which was paid in three (3) parts on December 22 and December 23, 2024. The remaining $7 million was promised by December 24, 2024, but has not been deposited into our designated account.”

Clearsound went on to state that despite receiving a photo of “a purported RTGS [real time gross settlement] transaction for $6.5 million”, the funds remained outstanding.

The production company indicated that it, nonetheless had dispatched and set up equipment at the site, and “completed 95 per cent of the build”, “extending leniency based on our relationship with the promoter”.

It continued: “Our team and equipment remained on location until we received communication of the cancellation (sic) from the promoter.”

A disappointed Boom Boom, who would have served as Sting’s emcee, told the Jamaica Observer’s Splash that its reported postponement has left him saddened. He shared that, with the line-up for 2024, Sting would have been a huge hit among patrons.

“I posted the poster up to Thursday morning before I went to bed. I woke up back to the news… It sad yah man… The feedback inna di streets, dem would get a good turnout, trust me, so mi really disappointed,” he said.

Boom Boom went on to share that the sting was felt even more when he considers the bookings he turned down to fully commit to the iconic Sting 2024.

“A one thing mi take fi di night and a just Sting, and me coulda get like three bookings, but mi say mi ago focus on that…” he continued.

He shared that, despite word of financial hiccups, money was not an issue for him as he had been paid for his services and was fully prepared to deliver on the night.

“Mi get my money and did ready to work, but car can’t drive without gas…” he said. “If a man say him nah work because him nuh get no money, you can’t kill him. Mi never hear no artiste a complain ‘bout money this year, though, to be honest.”

A few artistes billed to perform on the show told Splash that they too were disappointed; however, they refused to comment further on the issue.

Reacting to news of the show’s postponement, some social media users said the same-day decision will not reflect positively on organisers. They expressed that after spending money to prepare for the event, someone needs to be held accountable for the disappointment.

“After me buy plane ticket come here, ticket for the show, book hotel … and buy expensive outfit, shoes, jewelry, etc to attend and now this,” one user on Instagram said. “On the same day when people spend money to attend? Bad business move. Time to call it quits,” another commented.

Laing in his statement to the media assured fans who had purchased tickets that they would be refunded in full.