Grandmaster Flash cancels September Tel Aviv show
Pioneering rapper says ‘security concerns’ behind move
Hip hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash has canceled his upcoming Tel Aviv show over security concerns.
“I come from a time and place where music has no creed or color,” the rapper told local production company ICP Live on Tuesday. “It is with great sadness to announce I must cancel my concert in this region over security concerns.”
The rapper, whose real name is Joseph Saddler, has performed three times in Israel in the past. He was slated to appear at the Barby Tel Aviv on September 5.
“We were sad to hear about the cancellation and we promise a full refund to all ticket buyers,” ICP Live said Wednesday.
Grandmaster Flash is the most recent musician to cancel a show in Israel.
In early August, rappers Fat Joe and Tyga said they would not be coming to the Shaka Festival in Rishon Lezion because of the security situation. As a result, the festival was canceled. And last week, Soft Cell’s Marc Almond canceled his upcoming show over accusations of a breach in contract.
Earlier this year, when tensions along the Gaza border were particularly high, Brazilian singer Gilberto Gil canceled an upcoming show over the “sensitive moment.”
However, the majority of scheduled summer acts have gone on as scheduled, including major shows from Enrique Iglesias, Ringo Starr, Maluma, Flo Rida, Ozzy Osbourne, Alanis Morissette and Jason Derulo.