British rock band Muse have unexpectedly cancelled several upcoming concerts scheduled for February 2026, prompting the cancellation of two music festivals and upsetting fans around the world. The band said the decision was a **“very difficult” one and blamed “unforeseen circumstances beyond our control” for pulling out of headline appearances in the United Arab Emirates, South Africa and India.
Muse’s announcement affects a string of dates that were set to take place across Abu Dhabi, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Bengaluru. Shows at the Etihad Arena and two major festivals — Calabash South Africa 2026 and Bandland 2026 — have now been scrapped because promoters could not secure alternate headliners in time.
In a statement shared through their official channels and Live Nation, Muse said:
“Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, we will be unable to proceed with the upcoming scheduled shows in India, South Africa and UAE. This has been a very difficult decision and one we did not take lightly. We’re truly sorry to everyone who purchased tickets and appreciate your understanding.”
The band added that refunds will be provided at the point of purchase, assuring fans that they will not need to take additional steps to reclaim their money.
Muse’s withdrawal has had cascading effects on the live-music calendar in early 2026:
- Calabash South Africa 2026, scheduled for February 7 and 11 in Johannesburg and Cape Town, was cancelled after organisers could not find a suitable replacement headliner on short notice.
- Bandland 2026, a festival set for February 14–15 in Bengaluru, India, was also called off following Muse’s withdrawal; organisers noted the difficulty of preserving the event’s quality without its headliner.
Both festivals are now offering full refunds to ticketholders.
The cancelled shows were expected to be part of an international touring schedule for Muse following their busy 2025 live season, which included festival appearances and setlists spanning their catalogue. In 2025 the band released a new single, “Unravelling,” their first in three years, and had been working toward future projects including a potential new album cycle.
Despite the cancellations, the trio — singer-guitarist Matt Bellamy, bassist Chris Wolstenholme and drummer Dominic Howard — are still booked to resume live performances later in 2026, including a scheduled appearance at Summerfest in Milwaukee in July.
Fans have taken to forums and social media expressing disappointment and concern. Many were planning trips specifically to see Muse perform in countries where the band rarely tours, while others shared frustration over the lack of a detailed explanation for the sudden changes. Some Muse supporters have wondered whether the cancellations might signal broader issues, although the band’s statement focused on logistics rather than health or internal problems.
