So, the brittleness of the Middle East has been thrust into the limelight over the last few days as news agencies around the world pummel the story of the Gaza flotilla to death…and which in turn leads to some rather more disappointing news, at least if you’re a music fan and appreciate international stars strutting their stuff on a stage somewhere in the Holy Land. Yep, following on from Elvis Costello’s cancellation a few days ago, the Pixies yesterday canceled their Tel Aviv gig, scheduled for this Wednesday.
Damn shame is what we say, as this was a show I personally really wanted to see. As did many others in Israel. And suddenly the summer buzz that was beginning to happen seems to have fizzled out a little. Dare I say it, a flashback to the dark old days of 2006 when Israel and Lebanon (or more accurately the Hezbollah) squared off over the summer and artists like Depeche Mode pulled their gigs in Tel Aviv…
The odds on Elton John now canceling his show? Pretty darned high, you’ve got to admit…
And the Pixies? This is what they had to say:
The decision was not reached easily, and we all know well the Israeli fans have been waiting for this visit for far too long. We’d like to extend our deepest apologies to the fans, but events beyond all our control have conspired against us. We can only hope for better days, in which we will finally present the long awaited visit of the Pixies in Israel.