Macklemore cancels Israel show

Hip hop duo Macklemore and Ryan Lewis were slated to take the stage in Rishon Lezion on July 18.

Macklemore performs during the iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards (MMVAs) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada June 19, 2016.  (photo credit: REUTERS)
Macklemore performs during the iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards (MMVAs) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada June 19, 2016.
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Hip hop duo Macklemore and Ryan Lewis have canceled their concert in Israel scheduled for July 18.
Despite those on Twitter claiming that the show was canceled for BDS reasons, concert organizers made it clear the reason was “unexpected scheduling conflicts.”
“We will regretfully have to cancel the Macklemore & Ryan Lewis show in Israel on July 18 due to unexpected scheduling conflicts,” organizers said in a statement. “Macklemore & Ryan Lewis sincerely apologize and look forward to making this up to their fans.”
It was not clear if or when the show would be rescheduled. A representative for Macklemore did not respond to a request for comment by press time. As of Sunday, the July 18 show was still listed on the group’s website. The duo are still expected to perform on July 21 at the Paleo Festival in Nyon, Switzerland.
The show was scheduled to take place in the Live Park in Rishon Lezion. Singer LP (Laura Pergolizzi), who was supposed to open for Macklemore, will instead perform at the Tel Aviv Barby Club.
Last week, on the same day the concert was canceled, Macklemore released his first solo single and announced that the duo was taking a break from recording and performing together.
“After the last tour, Ryan and I agreed that some creative space would be good for the both of us,” Macklemore wrote on Instagram on Thursday. “There will be more M&RL music to come when the time is right.”