The deal was to not make the New York City concert public before the actual event but it was not done in such way in the end.
- June 19, 2010
AceShowbiz - Jay-Z has scrapped plans for a surprise concert in his native New York after city officials voiced concerns about security and refused to grant the rapper permission to perform. The Brooklyn-born hip-hop star planned to pack the streets of midtown Manhattan for a surprise performance atop the marquee of the Ed Sullivan Theater during rush hour on Monday, June 21.
Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney and rock groups Phish and Audioslave have previously been granted permits to put on concerts at the legendary venue. But officials at the Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting have abruptly axed Jay-Z's show, ending weeks of negotiations, after word of the performance leaked on Thursday.
A spokesperson for the film office confirms: "There was discussion of a concert, and ultimately it was decided there would be no permit. Many permits are granted on the condition that the event is not made public beforehand for capacity and security reasons. This event was made public."
The decision comes just days after rapper Drake's free concert at the city's South Street Seaport was canceled when over-crowding led to violent outbursts. Six people suffered minor injuries and two people were arrested.
