Peter Gabriel has canceled a planned concert in Kiev on May 10 over security concerns against the backdrop of the ongoing political turmoil in 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,” read a statement on Gabriel’s official web site.
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“Any delays or damage as result of the situation in Ukraine would not be insured and would also potentially jeopardize future shows on the tour, something which we feel we also have to consider,” it continued.
According to the statement, there are hopes that the situation will resolved “in a positive and peaceful fashion” and the singer would still be able to perform in Ukraine “in the not-too-distant future.”
Those who have bought tickets for the show are to be refunded and they are also going to receive a DVD of Gabriel’s “Back to Front” tour.
Several other international acts have canceled their Ukrainian or Russian shows over the last few months due to the turmoil in Ukraine and strained relations between Russia and the country.
Last February, Depeche Mode canceled its Kiev concert, which nearly coincided with the highest point in street clashes between the opposition and the government, which resulted in the ouster of President Viktor Yanukovych.
The Finnish metal band Children of Bodom axed its Kiev gig, scheduled for April 29. Greek/American musician Yiannis Chryssomallis, known under his stage name Yanni, also canceled his show, which was supposed to be held in Kiev on May 26.
Indie rock band The National canceled its shows in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kiev this summer “due to the ongoing political crisis in the region,” as the band said on its official web site.
Aerosmith postponed its Kiev performance scheduled for May 21 until further notice and Motörhead pulled out of its July 27 show in the city.
- This article was originally published on THR.com.