Dispointment as Drake's final Wireless show ends after 40 minutes

```html Drake's Wireless Festival Finale Cut Short, Leaving Fans Disappointed
Drake's headlining set at London's Wireless Festival on Sunday concluded abruptly after only 40 minutes, leaving fans expressing disappointment. The shortened performance followed two previous nights with much longer sets and numerous surprise guests, creating a stark contrast that fueled audience frustration.
Unexpectedly Short Set Sparks Fan Uproar
Despite taking the stage ten minutes ahead of schedule, Drake informed the crowd that his performance would be cut short due to the festival's strict 9:30 PM curfew. This announcement, coupled with the limited number of special guests – Popcaan, Rema, and Vybz Kartel – compared to the previous nights, contributed to the negative reception.
Saturday's show boasted 13 special guests and a 90-minute runtime, while Friday's performance also featured a similar length and six surprise acts. The sudden shift in Sunday's show left many feeling shortchanged, particularly given the high ticket prices associated with the festival.
Uncertainty Surrounding Setlist Changes
Adding to the confusion, the official setlist initially advertised two Drake performances, one at 6:25 PM and another at 8:55 PM. However, the earlier set was removed from the schedule during the afternoon, with performances from Vybz Kartel and Burna Boy proceeding as planned in their original time slots. Drake appeared on stage shortly after Burna Boy concluded his set, addressing the crowd with a noticeably less enthusiastic demeanor than displayed on previous nights.
He began his set with an unreleased collaboration with British rapper Central Cee, who remained in the front row, mouthing the words as his image was projected on the screens. Drake apologized to the crowd throughout the performance, promising to deliver his biggest hits.
Rushed Performances and Familiar Finale
Drake performed a medley of popular tracks, including "Controlla," "Find Your Love," and "One Dance," which had been remixed and updated for 2025. However, the new arrangements and rushed pace made it challenging for fans to sing along. A brief appearance by Nigerian rapper Rema, performing "Calm Down" and "Fever," provided a temporary boost to the crowd's energy. Following a cameo from Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel, Drake performed only two more solo songs before concluding the set.
In a now-familiar gesture, Drake climbed onto a crane as Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" played through the speakers, signaling the end of the abbreviated performance. This same ending was used for the previous two nights, but on Sunday, it served as a stark reminder of the short set.
Curfew Constraints and Accessibility Concerns
Drake had previously encountered the 10:30 PM curfew on Friday night, resulting in organizers cutting off his and Lauryn Hill's microphones. While he managed to stay within the time limits on Saturday, the decision to begin Sunday's set 45 minutes before the curfew remains unclear.
According to Dr. Eleanor Dare, a music industry analyst at the University of London, "Festivals face immense pressure to balance artistic expression with local regulations. Curfews are often non-negotiable, and artists must adapt. Drake's situation highlights the challenges of delivering a satisfying performance within these constraints, particularly when expectations have been set by previous shows."
Reports also emerged of distress at the accessible exit after the show. Fans reported being held in a restrictive space, leading to panic and confrontations with security as disabled attendees pleaded to leave. Wireless Festival organizers have been contacted for comment regarding both the shortened set and the accessibility issues.
Professor Mark Oliver, a cultural commentator, added: "The Wireless Festival incident also raises questions about artist responsibility. While external factors like curfews are undeniable, artists ultimately control their setlists and pacing. A more strategic approach could have mitigated the disappointment felt by many fans."
The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in live music performances, where artistic vision must align with logistical constraints and audience expectations.
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Originally sourced from: BBC Entertainment