Entertainment

Backstreet Boys Cancel Concerts In Israel

by Emma Goddard

I’m currently sitting under a blanket listening to "I Want It That Way" to give me strength while I deliver the heartbreaking news that the Backstreet Boys have canceled their concerts in Israel. Unfortunately, with the current crisis going on between Israel and Palestine, the boy band has decided not to visit the country where they had planned to perform for three sold out shows. Obviously, fans are pretty bummed out.

The band took to Twitter to express their disappointed and the bad news with this statement: “We are very sorry to inform that the concerts on July 29-30-31 at the Raanana Amphitheater have been postponed.” Although many people are clearly upset (because it's the Backstreet Boys), they were also extremely understanding considering the violence that is taking place right now.

“This is a major disappointment for the band and fans as this was to be our first visit to Israel and we looked forward to meeting our fans,” an official statement read. “We’re already working with the producers on new dates during spring 2014 and will notify everyone about this as soon as possible. Sending lots of love to everyone”

There wasn’t an official reason as to why the boys had decided to cancel their upcoming shows, but it’s clear that safety is one of the biggest concerns right now. In fact, the BSB are not the first to cancel an event in Israel recently. Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Paul Anka, and Chick Corea have all backed out of their performances in the country recently.

Though artists like Lady Gaga and CeeLo Green are still lined up for the months to come, there’s a high chance that this chain reaction will just continue until the conflict in Israel stops. For now — and far more important than the Backstreet Boys' canceled shows — I can only hope that there can be peace between the two countries for the safety of their people.