Megadeth, CeeLo Latest Israel Cancellations

Shows canceled because of the ongoing conflict in Gaza have likely cost the Israeli music business millions, with Megadeth and CeeLo Green the latest to pull out.

Photo: AP Photo / Hatem Ali

Palestinians look for their belongings in the rubble of houses destroyed in an Israeli strike, in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Aug. 2.

The metal band, which was to play Tel Aviv Aug. 14, posted a statement on its website saying the act could not guarantee “passage of the band and their gear into Tel Aviv in time for the show.”

The ever-growing list of cancellations already has Neil Young, Backstreet Boys, America, and Brian Jonestown Massacre, costing major promoters including Shuki Weiss, Hillel Wachs, Carmi Wurtman and Eran Arielli.

The troubles also led to the cancellation of Isle of Dreams, the new electronic dance festival that Marcel Avram, Danny Whittle and Mark Netto were to stage near the Sea of Galilee Aug. 7-9.

Although many artists over recent years have pulled out of shows as part of a cultural boycott of Israel, the latest cancellations have come because the artists and promoters think it isn’t a safe place to visit.

Another problem is that, in light of the unrest, local police are now becoming nervous of granting licenses for music events.