It looks like we have found a sad ending to the ‘will it, won’t it’ happen saga that has become Travis Scott’s Utopia show at the Pyramids of Giza, with Live Nation Middle East now confirming that the rapper’s Egypt show has indeed been cancelled.
Explaining via Twitter post, Live Nation said: “We regret to inform you that the UTOPIA show, originally scheduled for July 28th at the Pyramids of Gyza in Egypt is cancelled. Unfortunately, despite highest efforts, complex production issues meant that the show could not be constructed in the desert. We understand that this news is disappointing and not the outcome any of us desired.”
But while Live Nation has cited “complex production issues”, it was only last week that The Musicians Syndicate of Egypt appeared to pull the plug on the gig—marking the release of Scott’s fourth studio album—on cultural grounds. That statement read:
“After examining social media opinions and feedback, as well as the news circulating on search engines and social media platforms, which included authenticated images and information about peculiar rituals performed by the star during his performance, contradicting our authentic societal values and traditions, the Syndicate’s president and board of directors have decided to cancel the license issued for hosting this type of concert, which goes against the cultural identity of the Egyptian people.”
Whatever the real reason, the sad news is that what was set to be an epic show for the people of Egypt—it allegedly sold out in 30 minutes—has now fallen apart. And while Live Nation confirmed that refunds will be issued to all ticket holders at their point of purchase, it’s scant reward for a show that could have not only positively highlighted the region, but also help boost tourism in Egypt.
At time of writing there has been no fresh information on a new venue for the show.