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Drake issues statement on “devastating” Astroworld festival tragedy

The rapper made a surprise appearance during Travis Scott’s headline set at the Houston event.

Drake has issued his first public statement about the “devastating” events that took place at Travis Scott’s Astroworld festival in Houston on Friday night (5 November). The Canadian rapper joined Scott onstage at the sold-out annual event, where eight people died and many others were injured following a fatal crowd surge during Scott’s headline performance. 

“I’ve spent the past few days trying to wrap my mind around this devastating tragedy,” Drake wrote in a statement posted to Instagram earlier today (9 November).

“My heart is broken for the families and friends of those who lost their lives and for anyone who is suffering,” he added.

“I will continue to pray for all of them, and will be of service in any way I can.”

 

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Drake made a surprise appearance at the festival, which took place at Houston’s NRG Park, joining Scott onstage during his headline set. During the performance, the crowd began to compress towards the front of the stage, causing panic and injuries, Houston Fire Chief Samuel Peña said during a press conference following the event. 

Travis Scott issued his first statement on the incident over the weekend. “I’m absolutely devastated by what took place last night,” Scott said in a written statement posted to his Twitter account on 6 November. “My prayers go out to the families and all those impacted by what happened at Astroworld Festival.” The rapper addressed the disaster in a video posted to Instagram, in which he said he was “working right now to identify the families so we can help assist them through this tough time”. 

Scott was due to headline Day N Vegas Festival this weekend. However, he has pulled out of the performance as he is “too distraught to play”, sources told Variety yesterday (8 November). Post Malone has since replaced Scott on the bill. According to Variety, Scott has also said he’ll refund tickets to all Astroworld festival attendees.

Houston Major Sylvester Turner released a statement discussing the incident on 6 November. “What happened at Astroworld Festival was a tragedy,” Turner said. “An estimated 50,000 people attended the event Friday night, expecting to enjoy a music concert with friends and return home safely. I extend my condolences to the families of the eight people who died and the approximately 17 people who were injured at the event. Many of them suffered cardiac arrest.”

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