Drake cancels fan meet and greets ahead of tour start

Drake has reportedly canceled all fan meet and greet packages ahead of his Summer Sixteen tour.

The rapper's decision comes in the wake of the tragic murder of singer Christina Grimmie. The 22-year-old artist, who appeared on the television talent show The Voice in 2014, was killed earlier this month (Jun16) after gunman Kevin James Loibl, 27, shot her during a fan meet and greet following a concert in Orlando, Florida.

Editors at People magazine report an industry source revealed that fans who have booked the $1,000 VIP packages for Drake's Summer Sixteen Tour have been told the meet and greets were shelved due to "scheduling issues".

According to website Ticketmaster, the premium 6 God Meet and Greet Package includes a photo opportunity, a seat in the first five rows and a variety of merchandise including a 6 God candle, referencing the lyrics of Drake's hit song, and an incense holder.

Fan who have bought and paid for the packages have now reportedly been informed the sessions are canceled and they will be refunded.

Earlier this year (16) Justin Bieber announced he would no longer do meet and greets on his Purpose world tour.

The pop star explained on his Instagram, that the interactions leave him “drained" and "unhappy”.

Drake's Summer Sixteen tour kicks off 20 July (16) in Austin, Texas.