The pioneering rapper said 'security concerns' are behind the move.
By AMY SPIROUpdated: AUGUST 15, 2018 13:33Grandmaster Flash attends the 2018 Pre-GRAMMY Gala & GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons in New York, US, January 27, 2018. (photo credit: ANDREW KELLY / REUTERS)
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."But 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.
