The singer summoned fans to an impromptu performance in Washington Square Park Tuesday night. She neglected to get a permit. But there was one more surprise to come.
Earlier this month, the pop singer Lorde, hinting at the coming release of her first album in four years, posted a video on TikTok showing her walking around in what appeared to be Washington Square Park, as a snippet of a new song, “What Was That,” played.
On Tuesday, in an email-and-text blast to fans, she urged them to “Meet me in the park. Tonight 7 p.m.” She did not specify which park. She did not have to.
By 6 p.m., hundreds of young people had descended on Washington Square in Greenwich Village, creating a festive atmosphere, with Lorde songs blasting, some people smoking marijuana and several climbing trees for a better view of a concert that did not happen.
As the designated time approached, word began to spread that the Police Department had canceled the concert. Many of those in the crowd stayed put, hoping that what they were hearing was just a bad rumor.
Siddhi Vora and Brady Arellano had come to the park together and were among those who waited. Ms. Vora, 26, said they would be upset if they were to leave and then Lorde turned up. Mr. Arellano, 27, took a seasonal perspective.
