Peter Gabriel Cancels Ukraine Show Over Security Concerns

Peter Gabriel has canceled Saturday night’s concert in Kiev over security concerns as political turmoil continues to rock Ukraine.”Due to the on-going unrest in Ukraine it has become clear that the security of the touring personnel and equipment cannot be guaranteed during the planned visit to the country and this has presented us with significant logistical difficulties that we have been unable to resolve,” Gabriel said in a note on his website on Thursday. “Any delays or damage as result of the situation in Ukraine would not be insured and would also potentially jeopardise future shows on the tour, something which we feel we also have to consider.”
“It was due to our desire to do everything possible in order to make the show happen that the decision to cancel the show is now being made at such late notice. It is our sincere hope that the situation is resolved in a positive and peaceful fashion and we can return to the Ukraine in the not-too-distant future.”

Gabriel’s cancellation is the latest in a steady stream of musical acts pulling out of the region, following on the heels of Depeche Mode, who called off their Kiev concert in February as street clashes between opposition protesters and the government grew particularly intense just before the ouster of President Viktor Yanukovich. Aerosmith followed suit, postponing their May 21st Kiev concert, and Motorhead has called of their show in the city scheduled for July 27th, as The Hollywood Reporter notes.

The National went even further, announcing in late April that they were canceling their shows in Moscow and St. Petersburg along with a Kiev date as tensions between Russia and Ukraine boiled over. “We remain hopeful of coming to play for you in the future and we sincerely hope this current instability resolves in a positive, democratic and peaceful way,” the band said in a post on Facebook. “Take care of yourselves and we hope to see you soon.”

Source: Rolling Stone