JAY-Z’S NEW YORK SHOW AXED AMID SECURITY CONCERNS
JAY-Z has scrapped plans for a surprise concert in his native New York af ter city officials voiced concerns about security and refused to grant th e rapper permission to perform.
The Brooklyn-born hip-hop star planned to pack the streets of midtown M anhattan for a surprise performance atop the marquee of the Ed Sullivan T heater during rush hour on Monday (21Jun10).
Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney and rock groups Phish and Audioslave h ave previously been granted permits to put on concerts at the legendary v enue.
But officials at the Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting h ave abruptly axed Jay-Z’s show, ending weeks of negotiations, after word of the performance leaked on Thursday (17Jun10).
A spokesperson for the film office confirms: "There was discussion of a concert, and ultimately it was decided there would be no permit.
"Many permits are granted on the condition that the event is not made p ublic beforehand for capacity and security reasons. This event was made p ublic." The decision comes just days after rapper Drake’s free concert at the c ity’s South Street Seaport was cancelled when over-crowding led to violen t outbursts. Six people suffered minor injuries and two people were arres ted.
Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)
