Why Backstreet Boys Won't Play Sold-Out Shows in Israel

Why Backstreet Boys Won't Play Sold-Out Shows in Israel

The Backstreet Boys won’t be rocking out in Israel later this month as originally planned.

The reasons, though, are pragmatic rather than ideological, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The former boy band sold out three July shows, representing their first live gigs in the country. Recent events involving rocket strikes from Hamas and the Israeli retaliation, convinced the band to cancel the shows and eye a 2015 engagement instead.

Here is the official statement on the cancellation.

This is a major disappointment for the band and fans as this was to be our first visit to Israel and we looked forward to meeting our fans. We’re already working with the producers on new dates during spring 2015 and will notify everyone about this as soon as possible. Sending lots of love to everyone.

Other bands which also canceled their current Israel tour stops include Paul Anka and Neil Young and Crazy Horse.

Roger Waters of Pink Floyd fame, in comparison, boycotted Israel to protest its government’s policies against Palestinians.

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