After a number of musicians were to touted to perform during a series of 250th anniversary America’s independence shows at The Great American State Fair, in late June and early July, several acts dropped out.
Followed cancellations by Morris Day, Young MC and the Commodores, Bret Michaels and Martina McBride withdrew from the line-up of the upcoming Freedom 250 concert series on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Taking to his website, on Friday (5.29,) Poison frontman Michaels stated that the concert series “has evolved into something much more divisive than what I agreed to be a part of,” adding:
“Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of my fans, band, crew, family and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable.” “I also want my amazing fans in Washington, D.C. to know that I love you all, and I fully intend to come back and perform in our nation’s capital under circumstances where the focus can remain on what it should be – the music and the fans.”
On Thursday (5.28,) country star McBride took to Instagram, confirming her withdrawl after learning that it carried more political weight than she realized, stating:
“I was presented with an opportunity to perform at a nonpartisan event but that turned out to be misleading. I asked lots of questions and was assured that this was a nonpartisan event that was meant to celebrate ALL 50 states.” “Yesterday, things started changing and what we were told is, in fact, not what is happening.” “It greatly upsets me that any fan who has been moved by my music may now feel like I’m abandoning the meaning behind those songs. I assure you, that is not the case.” “I appreciate every single fan who has reached out. I hope to get back to the D.C. area very soon.”
Before the entire event was cancelled shortly thereafter, the only remaining artists left the bill were Vanilla Ice, Milli Vanilli’s Fab Morvan, C+C Music Factory, Flo Rida and Trump concert regular Kid Rock.
Originally scheduled to run from June 25 thru July 10, the Great American State Fair was set up by Freedom 250, an organization formed by the Trump administration.
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Author: Al Dente
Photo: Chumari TV