Matisyahu concert at House of Blues cancelled due to threat of protests
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CHICAGO — A sold-out show in Chicago Friday night had been cancelled due to threat of protests.
Matisyahu was set to bring his “Hold The Fire Tour 2024” to the House of Blues in Chicago on Friday, but just before 1 p.m., he announced on his X that the event had been cancelled.
“Dear Fans, it saddens me to write this to you. Our sold-out show tonight at the House of Blues Chicago has been cancelled due to the threat of protests. While the true details surrounding this decision remain opaque, and while the responsible parties all point fingers at one another over the decision; I can assure you there have no threats of violence received by our security team who have vigilant in knowing what is happening in each city.
Since the venue has paid me for the cancellation, I will be donating the proceeds to @bringhomenow to help the families of the hostages and in honor of International Women’s Day to acknowledge the women to acknowledge the women and girls still held captive by Hamas as well as to @unitedhatzalahofisrael, an emergency medical organization run entirely by volunteers from all backgrounds, Jew and Muslim alike.
While my fans and I deeply hurt by this, please know we will not cower to these bullies and the pressure they exert. The ramifications of such tactics go beyond me and the Jewish people. These individuals and the organizations that break under their pressure threaten the bedrock of artistic expression, intellectual honesty, and empathy between people with different views and concerns.
We will continue to play shows. And we will always stand tall against hate and march towards the true goal of a long term peace for all.”
In response, the U.S. Palestinian Community Network (USPCN) and Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (CAARPR) released a statement siting their efforts in planning the protest led to the cancellation.
“When we organize, we win!,” the USPCN said on Friday. In the post, the USPCN referred to Matisyahu as a racist and Zionist.
Matisyahu famously has been vocal of his Hasidic Jewish faith over his career.
The Grammy nominated rapper rose to stardom after the release of “King Without A Crown” from his 2006 debut album “Youth.” His blend of reggae, hip-hop, and alternative rock made an immediate impact, shooting his debut album to number four on the Billboard charts.
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The Spring tour follows the release of his 2024 EP “Hold The Fire.” Matisyahu has 10 remaining shows as part of his “Hold The Fire Tour 2024.”
Ticket holders will receive a refund by event organizers within 30 days.
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