Country star Cody Johnson has canceled his scheduled concerts in Belfast and Dublin just hours before he was due to perform, citing a viral infection diagnosed by a doctor, The Irish Sun reported.
The 39-year-old Texas native was set to play The O2 in Belfast on Wednesday night before an audience of 10,000, with doors opening at 6.30pm, and Dublin’s 3Arena on Thursday, November 5. Concert promoter MCD Productions shared Johnson’s statement on Instagram on Wednesday afternoon, according to extra.ie.
Johnson’s Statement to Fans
In his statement, Johnson wrote: “I am really sorry to say that I am going to have to cancel tonight’s show in Belfast and tomorrow’s show in Dublin. I have been doing all I can to make these shows happen but after just seeing a doctor and on their advice, I have been diagnosed with a viral infection and advised not to perform.”
He added that he was “extremely disappointed” not to play, saying he had been looking forward to the Irish shows for a long time, and promised: “I will do all I can to come back to Ireland as soon as I can and play these shows for you all.” He closed by noting that tickets can be refunded at the point of purchase.
Belfast and Dublin, I can't tell y'all how sorry I am to have to cancel these shows. Thank y'all for your understanding and support. pic.twitter.com/exlYBD45am
Tour Context and Support Acts
The two Irish dates were meant to close Johnson’s Cody Johnson Live ’26 tour of the UK and Ireland, which began in Manchester on October 24 and continued through London, Birmingham and Glasgow, where he performed Monday night, extra.ie reported. US country singer Parker McCollum, who was playing his first UK and Ireland shows, and Emily Ann Roberts served as support acts.
Johnson is one of the biggest names in modern country music, having been named Male Vocalist of the Year at the 2025 CMA Awards, with his album Leather winning Album of the Year at the same ceremony.
Refund Details for Ticket Holders
Tickets for the Dublin show were priced from €68.20 when they went on sale in February, extra.ie reported. Refunds are available from wherever the ticket was purchased, which for most fans will be Ticketmaster. The ticket refund does not cover hotels, flights or other travel booked for the gigs. No new dates have been announced yet.
Fans Respond with Support
Johnson’s social media accounts have been flooded with messages of support from fans following the announcement. “So sorry to hear this Cody! Health comes first. Take good care of yourself and get well soon!” wrote one fan named Maria. Another, Hannah, commented: “So sad about this was so looking forward to Belfast tonight but your health is more important feel better… can’t wait to see you back here soon.” A third fan, Tracy, added: “Get well soon and take of yourself. Come back again soon.”
Explains Johnson’s Cancellation Reasons
Why did Cody Johnson cancel his Irish shows?
Johnson said a doctor diagnosed him with a viral infection and advised him not to perform, leading him to cancel both the Belfast and Dublin concerts hours before showtime.
The Belfast show at The O2 was scheduled for Wednesday night with doors at 6.30pm, and the Dublin show at 3Arena was set for Thursday, November 5.
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐂𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧 (𝟎𝟒.𝟏𝟏.𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔) "I am really sorry to say that I am going to have to cancel tonight’s show in Belfast and tomorrow’s show in Dublin. I have been doing all I can to make these shows happen but after just seeing a doctor…”
How can fans get refunds?
Tickets can be refunded at the point of purchase, which for most fans will be through Ticketmaster, though the refund does not cover travel or accommodation costs.
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