Ricky Martin Resumes Montenegro Concert After Tear Gas Disrupts Opening Night of European Tour
Ricky Martin briefly halted a concert in Montenegro on Thursday night after an individual discharged tear gas toward the stage, forcing the singer and his team to leave the performance while security and local authorities responded.
The incident took place during the opening night of the European leg of Martin’s Ricky Martin Live tour. According to a statement released by his publicist, Róndine Alcalá, the disruption caused audience members to move away from the area as assistance was provided and venue personnel worked to contain the situation. Martin and his team immediately exited the stage as a precaution.
“During Ricky Martin’s concert tonight in Montenegro, where the artist was kicking off the European leg of his Ricky Martin Live tour, an individual discharged tear gas toward the stage, causing an abrupt interruption of the show as audience members moved away from the area and received assistance,” the statement said.
After authorities determined the venue was secure and attendees could safely return, Martin resumed the performance and completed the concert. According to his team, members of his staff had advised against continuing the show, but the singer chose to return to the stage rather than cancel the remainder of the night.
“As a precautionary measure, Ricky Martin and his entire team immediately exited the stage while security personnel and local authorities worked to contain the situation and ensure the safety of those in attendance,” the statement continued. “Once authorities confirmed that the situation was under control and that attendees could safely return, Ricky Martin made the decision to resume and complete the concert in order to fulfill his commitment to his fans.”
His representatives later confirmed that neither Martin nor members of his team were harmed in the incident. Alcalá added in a follow-up message that the singer’s upcoming international performances will continue as scheduled.
Authorities have not yet publicly identified the person responsible for the disruption, and no immediate details were released regarding possible arrests or whether concertgoers required medical treatment following exposure to the chemical irritant.
The incident interrupted what was intended to be the official launch of Martin’s latest international touring run. The Puerto Rican performer has remained a major live draw decades into his career, maintaining a global touring presence long after his initial crossover breakthrough in the late 1990s.
Martin first rose to prominence as a member of Menudo before launching a solo career that made him one of the defining figures of the Latin pop explosion that reshaped global pop music at the turn of the millennium. Songs including “Livin’ la Vida Loca,” “She Bangs,” “María,” and “The Cup of Life” helped establish him as one of the genre’s most commercially successful international stars, while his live performances remained central to his public identity.
Even as the music industry shifted dramatically through streaming, social media, and changing touring economics, Martin continued performing consistently, with international tours remaining a major part of his career.
Last year, MTV recognized his career's longevity by presenting him with its inaugural Latin Icon Award at the 2025 Video Music Awards. Accepting the honor, Martin reflected on the unusual length of his career, telling the audience that he began performing as a child and had now spent roughly four decades in entertainment.
“I started when I was a baby working [in Menudo], and we’re still here,” he said during the speech. “We just want to unite countries. We just want to break boundaries, and we just want to keep music alive.”
