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Jordanian Authorities Cancel Mashrou’ Leila Concert, Reasons Unclear
Last night, Lebanese band Mashrou’ Leila shared an upsetting update about an upcoming scheduled concert, this concert would have been the last in the region before the band heads to Berlin.
The announcement came that their gig in Amman, scheduled to take place on Friday the 29th, had been abruptly cancelled with the official reason given by the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism being that the performance clashed with the “authenticity” of the site on which the concert would be held – the Roman Amphitheater. This came as a shock since the band had performed at the same site three times in the past.
The band informed their fans that the unofficial reason for the cancellation was the interference of some Jordanian authorities in the matter. They had unofficially been informed that they would never be able to perform anywhere in Jordan due to their political and religious beliefs.
Mashrou’ Leila, known for their punchy lyrical content as well as their open endorsement of gender equality, political and sexual freedom, and LGBTQ rights, are not ones to forego their ideals. They have previously cancelled a gig opening for the Red Hot Chili Peppers in Lebanon back in 2012 because the Red Hot Chili Peppers refused to boycott performing in Israel.
The news is particularly saddening for the band’s Palestinian audience, as Jordan is the only place fans can go see the band live. Mashrou’ Leila has been touring with their newest studio album “Ibn el Leil” and had been received with sold out concerts all over the region, most notably – Egypt.
The band ended the Facebook post expressing their vehement opposition to censorship and promising their fans that they would never compromise their message.
Since the announcement, many took to Twitter to express their frustrations using the hashtag #LeilaInAmman
The announcement came that their gig in Amman, scheduled to take place on Friday the 29th, had been abruptly cancelled with the official reason given by the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism being that the performance clashed with the “authenticity” of the site on which the concert would be held – the Roman Amphitheater. This came as a shock since the band had performed at the same site three times in the past.
The band informed their fans that the unofficial reason for the cancellation was the interference of some Jordanian authorities in the matter. They had unofficially been informed that they would never be able to perform anywhere in Jordan due to their political and religious beliefs.
Mashrou’ Leila, known for their punchy lyrical content as well as their open endorsement of gender equality, political and sexual freedom, and LGBTQ rights, are not ones to forego their ideals. They have previously cancelled a gig opening for the Red Hot Chili Peppers in Lebanon back in 2012 because the Red Hot Chili Peppers refused to boycott performing in Israel.
The news is particularly saddening for the band’s Palestinian audience, as Jordan is the only place fans can go see the band live. Mashrou’ Leila has been touring with their newest studio album “Ibn el Leil” and had been received with sold out concerts all over the region, most notably – Egypt.
The band ended the Facebook post expressing their vehement opposition to censorship and promising their fans that they would never compromise their message.
Since the announcement, many took to Twitter to express their frustrations using the hashtag #LeilaInAmman
1 step forward, 2 steps back. Amman I’m disappointed in you. #LeilaInAmman #بدنا_ليلى_في_عمان
— Anoud Rifai (@AnoudRifai) April 27, 2016
Banning Mashrou’ Leila from performing in Amman.. Trump much?#بدنا_ليلى_في_عمان #LeilainAmman @hamedleila pic.twitter.com/NMd9HyM9Xy
— ‘٣ Bob (@Brokhteh) April 26, 2016
Dear #Jordan, Banning a band for not liking their views is no different than burning books in the dark ages. #LeilaInAmman
— Zeyad Salem (@Zeyadsalem) April 26, 2016