PAVAROTTI fans were today reacting angrily to the news that they will not be refunded the full amount they paid for tickets to see the opera star after his Hampshire concert was cancelled.

The Italian tenor was due to perform at the Rose Bowl next week but as exclusively reported in the Daily Echo the concert was cancelled after his management said the singing star was suffering from bad health.

Claims that the concert was cancelled due to poor ticket sales were dismissed.

Those who did pay up to £50 for tickets were told that they would be offered the chance to transfer their tickets to see Billy Joel at the same venue next week, or get a full refund.

But today it emerged that the money paid out by fans in booking fees will not be returned. Up to £5.25 was charged by agents to make the booking per ticket.

A spokesman for the Rose Bowl said all those who asked for a refund did get the price of the ticket back. He added that the booking fee was levied by ticket agents, not the Rose Bowl, and that no money would go to them from that charge.

The spokesman described the sale of Pavarotti tickets as "disappointing" but would not say how many were sold.

It was the last chance for fans of Luciano Pavarotti to see and hear him live as he plans to retire on his 70th birthday in October.

What do you think? Contact the Daily Echo on newsdesk@soton-echo.co.uk