Travis Scott’s concert at the Pyramids of Giza has officially been canceled, Live Nation Middle East announced in a statement on Wednesday, July 26th. The event was scheduled to take place this Friday, July 28th, but the concert promoter cited “complex production issues” as the reason why it can no longer be held.
“Despite highest efforts, complex production issues meant that the show could not be constructed in the desert,” the announcement reads in part. “We understand that this news is disappointing and not the outcome any of us desired. Refunds will be issued to all ticket holders at their point of purchase.” See the full statement below.
Earlier this month, it was reported by multiple news outlets that the concert had been canceled by the Egyptian Musicians Syndicate. Per Egypt Today, the concert licensing organization cited “the safety and protection of the audience” in a statement announcing the cancellation. It also went one step further by alluding to “peculiar rituals performed by the star during his performance, contradicting our authentic societal values and traditions.”
In response to the reports, Live Nation issued a statement of its own saying the concert was still going on as scheduled. “There have been no changes to Travis Scott’s show in Egypt; any reports to the contrary are false,” it read. “We can’t wait to celebrate Utopia with you in Egypt!”
Safety at Scott’s concerts rightfully remains a major concern following the deadly crowd crush at his 2021 Astroworld music festival that left 10 people dead and thousands injured. In late June, a grand jury declined to criminally indict the artist for the deaths at the festival.
Scott’s performance was meant to serve as the live debut of his long-anticipated album Utopia, which drops on Friday and includes a collaboration with Bad Bunny and The Weeknd called “K-POP.” Its music will be featured in a new film called Circus Maximus, which is set to hit theaters one day earlier.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on July 26th after Live Nation announced its cancellation.
A message from Live Nation: pic.twitter.com/s05YWOVkpG
— Live Nation Middle East (@LiveNationME) July 26, 2023