NZ Promoters Attack No-Shows

Why are U.S. urban acts canceling visits to New Zealand? Some NZ promoters blame the large entourages these acts insist on bringing, and say artists can’t cope with the logistics of moving them globally.

Mary J. Blige canceled two shows because of scheduling conflicts. The New Zealand Herald quoted her promoter Manolo Echave saying, "They are surrounded by hangers-on, family, friends, and hairdressers, and everyone’s got a job because they are a next-door neighbour or whatever."

Boyz II Men canceled its Wellington show in May. Earlier this year the Get Served package tour with Omarion, Marquez Houston and Avant canceled hours before the event was to take place.

Last year, the Roc the Block concert at Vector Arena was also postponed, with headliner The Game pulling out of the rescheduled show. Recently, bemused local media noted that Timbaland’s August shows were scheduled for the same days as his shows in Finland.