The International Press
is buzzing with news of the Red Hot Chili Peppers
having had to cancel their first Middle Eastern
Tour ever, due to the radically increased safety
risk.
As violence on both sides had stepped up increasingly
over the last weeks, with suicide bomber terrorist
attacks and military counter strikes tearing up
the region in violence, the Peppers have had to
cancel their show near Tel Aviv scheduled for the
28th this month, for security reasons.
The show had been much anticipated by fans and band
alike, who were looking forward to play in the country
of birth of their first guitarist Hillel Slovak,
who had tragically died from a heroin overdose during
the first phase of their career. Hillel had been
a very close friend of all bandmembers, especially
Flea and Anthony, who had written the ode "My
Lovely Man" in memory of Hillel.
The Israel gig had been loaded with rumours from
its beginning, and met with antagonism and hate
campaigns by some, as much as it had been anticipated
and seen as a symbol of hope by others.
Not long ago,an e-mail campaign had been launched
calling for action to stop, what was inteneded to
be a peaceful, musical mission for both sides of
the fence, by political fanatics, citing a multitude
of false rumours presented as facts.
Even Bill Clinton was stated as having "called
the band to urge them to halt their plans to visit
Israel in order to endow the boycott with a legitimate
air.- In fact, Clinton, far from discouraging the
trip, had asked Anthony at a private function, that
they invite and provide free tickets to the organization
that provides a camp for youth from both sides and
promotes brotherhood between Israel and Palestine!
The
cancellation of this- and other cultural events,
poses a great blowback to a youth from both sides,
for whom one would wish any possible occasion of
this kind.
However,
the band did state, that they "will come back
at a less risky time".- Let's hope so, for
isolation and segregation have always worked hand
in hand - While the mission of art is to build bridges,
cross boundaries, between mentalities and minds-
And that can only be feared by those who wish to
perpetuate the current status quo!
Text:©
Sibél. All rights reserved
Thanks
to Blackie Dammett for proofreading this article.
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Press
Coverage Links
· BBC
Online:
Chili
Peppers cancel Israeli gig
Tuesday, 14 August, 2001, 13:18 GMT 14:18 UK
Funk-rock group the Red Hot Chili Peppers have pulled
out of a planned concert in Israel in the wake of increased
violence.
· Israelinsider:
Red Hot Chili Peppers Cancel Israeli Gig
August
15, 200,by Ellis Shuman
"The
band's motivation to come was large indeed," Weiss
said. "That was understandable from the e-mails
my office had received and from the interviews that
the band had given."
· The
Jerusalem Post:
Region too red-hot for Chili Peppers
August 15, 2001, by Abigail Radoszkowicz
"..he added that he wouldn't consider continuing
with the festival without the Chili Peppers. "With
them cancelling, that's the end of the festival,"
Weiss said.
· Billboard:
Chili
Peppers Cancel Israeli Performance
August 14, 2001, 2:20 PM/Edited by Jonathan Cohen
The Red Hot Chili Peppers canceled a performance later
this month at Israel's Heat Wave Festival due to security
fears. More than 15,000 tickets were already sold for
the Aug. 28 concert in Tel Aviv, according to a statement.
· The
Guardian Unlimited:
Israel
beset by siege mentality
August 17 2001 / by Suzanne Goldenberg
First
it was the Red Hot Chili Peppers, next British Airways.
The sense of isolation among Israelis deepened this
week as airline crews and pop stars made it clear they
do not feel safe in the Holy Land.
· Eonline:
Give
it away
Aug 14, 2001, 2:25 PM PT /by Josh Grossberg
Red Hot Chili Peppers canceling a concert in Tel Aviv
set for later this month because of security fears in
the wake of several Palestinian suicide bombings. Some
20,000 ticket holders are expected to get their money
back.
Note:Troublekids
in Funkheaven is in no way reponsible for the content
of these links. Moreover it was not intended to give
a one-sided view of the matter by providing mostly links
to the Israeli publications, however, there was no report
in the Palestine press. This report will be updated
continuously.
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Pepper's
Israel Tour Cancelled
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