We continue to update this article as more information becomes available regarding the performers holding their last shows at EPCOT.
As EPCOT closes its gates due to the concerns surrounding the coronavirus known as COVID-19, it appears some cultural treasures are going away indefinitely: The UK Pavilion’s classic rock band “British Revolution,” the Japan Pavilion’s Matsuriza Taiko Drum Group, and Funny Sergio The Italian Juggler of the Italy Pavilion.
These three acts took to social media to each give a final farewell to their fans all over the world who would not be able to attend a performance on Sunday, March 15, 2020.
British Revolution took to their fan page saying,
“British Revolution and it’s members would like to thank Walt Disney World and all the beautiful people of the UK Pavilion for the opportunity of a lifetime. What a joy it has been to perform over 11,000 shows to gracious audiences from around the globe. Our words are not enough to express our appreciation. The greatest gift has been meeting you, your friends and families. Through the shared love of this music, we are all now connected.
“And in the end,
the love you take,
is equal to the love,
you make”– the last recorded lyric by the Beatles
– last performance, Epcot Center 3.15.20
Matsuriza Taiko Drum Group also took to social media to share their news writing to their fans,
We’re deeply saddened to announce that tomorrow, Sunday 3/15/20 will be our last day performing at Epcot indefinitely. We had a fantastic 25 year run on the pagoda stage working with some of the best managers and tech team on property. Performing at the Japan Pavilion has been an honor, representing our heritage and culture to millions of guests from all over the world. It really has been a dream come true and we’re very heartbroken to see it come to an end so suddenly. We are beyond grateful to the Walt Disney World Co. for giving us the most amazing opportunity of a lifetime.
And to our fans, YOU are what we will miss the most. Thank you for all of the love and support you have have given us throughout these years. It is our biggest hope that one day Disney will bring us back. Until then, sayonara. Domo arigatou gozaimashita. Otsukaresamadeshita. .
Funny Sergio also took to his Facebook page saying:
Thank you all, thank all the viewers for all the 15 years, I love you, tomorrow is the day of the day… (I can’t do the show because I M fired, I no longer have the opportunity to help children who believe in the wonders of Disney, I m really sorry! I try believe magic.. I’m really sorry for kids with cancer and leicomia..I’m try made this world with smile, this fantastic destiny! I fill Thank you all, thankviewers for all the 15 years, I love you,
As of now, all the Walt Disney World theme parks are expected to reopen on April 1, 2020, with the exception of these two shows. That fact is made clear by their farewell addresses. If they were returning with the rest of EPCOT, then we would be reading some “see you real soon” note. Unfortunately, that does not seem to be the case. In fact, Funny Sergio outright says he was fired.
These musicians and performers were icons of their host pavilions and brought an extra layer of immersion. The was a low-commitment that EPCOT could as they by. “British Revolution” was also a staple of the U.K. pavilion’s New Year’s party, ending each year rocking out to everything from to the Queen.
Speculation Time: Why are we losing these shows?
These musicians and performers are not regular cast members as far as we know. They are third-party musical groups signed on with Disney to perform these steady gigs at EPCOT. It stands to reason that the groups needed to book elsewhere while Disney World is closed for two weeks and, unfortunately, that makes things more complicated for their return. One also has to wonder about the status of the U.K. pavilion. We know there is going to be a Mary Poppins themed attraction installed. Will there still be a spot for “British Revolution” or is that whole courtyard area going to be used for the queue? Only time will tell at this point and we can only hope that we can still have a place to rock out. We’re still holding out hope that both groups will be back for EPCOT’s and .