Singer’s residency delayed over visa
Peter Murphy has once again postponed the dates for his monthlong residency at the Chapel in San Francisco, citing ongoing visa issues that have prevented him from entering the country.
As of Thursday, Feb. 1, the former frontman for the British post-punk band Bauhaus had canceled nine of his planned shows, including those scheduled for this weekend, Friday-Sunday, Feb. 2-4. Makeup dates for those shows are listed on Murphy’s Facebook page, running from Feb. 10 through 19, but there is no certainty they won’t be postponed again.
Murphy has lived with his family in Istanbul for 25 years and has converted to
the Sufi branch of Islam, which may have played a factor in the deferment.
“Due to a brief diplomatic spat last year between the U.S. and Turkey resulting in a temporary mutual ban on visa issuances to each country, a backlog of Turkish applicants has seen Peter’s own caught up in the pile,” reads the most recent statement posted to Murphy’s Facebook page last Friday, Jan. 26.
Over 16 nights from Jan. 23 through Feb. 16, Murphy was set to perform each of his solo albums in its entirety, including 1986’s “Should the World Fail to Fall Apart,” 1988’s “Love Hysteria,” 1989’s “Deep,” 1992’s “Holy Smoke,” 1995’s “Cascade,” 2002’s “Dust” and 2011’s “Ninth,” tagging on additional nights to perform Bauhaus songs with his former bandmate David J.
His band and crew arrived in San Francisco, along with a gaggle of fans, in time for the opening date, but so far they have been unable to perform or get paid. Some have reportedly already returned home.
In the meantime, DJ Omar Perez has been filling in for Murphy at the Chapel.
“It is a lack of foresight and respect to a paying fan to be told of the cancellation one day before, when this had been an ongoing problem that was known,” Jeffrey B. Kline said on Facebook. “It needed to be communicated sooner so many could recoup lost monies from traveling, flying, car rental, hotel accommodation.”
The Chapel is still hoping to reschedule the canceled dates and suggested ticket holders check its website for updates.
“We’ve been communicating directly with ticket holders, basically working around the clock to respond individually to every question and comment that’s coming in,” said Paul Chalker, marketing manager at the venue. “Essentially, we’re throwing everything we have at this and are all-hands-on-deck to make sure fans stay in the know.”
This is not the first setback for Murphy’s run of San Francisco dates. The residency was originally scheduled to take place last year in June and July but was postponed after doctors discovered nodules on his vocal cords.
Murphy, 60, is a goth rock pioneer — from his early days as the slithering baritone in Bauhaus singing “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” over the opening credits of the 1983 horror film “The Hunger,” starring David Bowie and Catherine Deneuve, to his recent cameo as one of the original vampires in “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.”
He’s also used to stirring up controversy.
Last month, Murphy courted trouble from his fans when during an interview with The Chronicle he dismissed Bowie’s influence. “It was a bit tiring, this whole cosmology of David Bowie,” Murphy said. “He was a spark. But it was time to bugger off. And he did bugger off.”
Murphy later clarified his comments with a post on his Facebook page. “David Bowie was, is, and always shall be deeply honoured, prayed for, and loved by me for his magical musical works and unmatched special influence.”
In 2013, Murphy was arrested in Glendale (Los Angeles County) on charges of driving under the influence, hit-and-run, and possession of methamphetamine. He was sentenced to three years probation, 10 days of community service and 45 days of Narcotics Anonymous meetings after pleading guilty to the driving charges and no contest to the possession.
“It foresight respect is a lack to and a of paying fan to be told of the cancellation one day before.” Jeffrey B. Kline