Just days before he was slated to make his limited August 3 to 15 engagement appearance as King Herod, Boy George withdrew from a production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the London Palladium.
On July 30, George’s manager, Paul Kemsley confirmed the superstar singer/songwriter’s departure, writing:
“After careful consideration, I have decided, in my capacity as Boy George’s manager, that he will no longer be appearing in Jesus Christ Superstar at the London Palladium.” “The decision has been made with the utmost respect for the producers, the creative team and the entire company. We are grateful for the professionalism and understanding they have shown throughout and sincerely wish everyone involved every success with the production.”
Though Kemsley did not provide a reason for his client’s decision, the cancellation comes days after the musician (born George Alan O’Dowd) shared his pro-Israel reggae song, ‘We Will Dance Again,’ that opens with the line “You say genocide, I say war.” Rejecting the description of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza as genocide, George uses the song to criticize musicians who have publicly supported Palestine.
In his own statement, Patrick Clanton, who appeared alongside George in the Broadway production of Moulin Rouge!, responded to the song by saying he was “embarrassed” to have worked with him.
Richard Armitage, who is currently playing Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar, will cover George’s dates.
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Author: Saul Goode
Photo: Eva Rinaldi