[Myanmar] Aerosmith Drops Indonesia Show After Foiled Attack On Burma Embassy

[News_Editor]

Steven Tyler of Aerosmith performs in Las Vegas last year. The American rock band canceled their upcoming show in Indonesia due to security fears after a foiled bomb plot on the Burmese Embassy in Jakarta. (Photo: Reuters)

JAKARTA—Aerosmith canceled a show in Indonesia after authorities there said they had foiled a bomb plot targeting the Burmese Embassy.

Concert promoter Ismaya Live cited safety concerns as the reason for the cancellation, but it wasn’t clear if there was a direct connection to the alleged embassy plot.

The American rockers were scheduled to perform this coming Saturday for a nearly sold-out crowd of 15,000 in the capital, Jakarta, said Helmi Sugara, event organizer spokesman.

The statement about the cancellation carried an apology from Aerosmith also saying they hoped to make it up to the fans one day. There was no immediate indication they would reschedule.

Indonesian police said Friday they had arrested two suspected militants and seized bombs the suspects were plotting to use against the Burmese Embassy in Jakarta to protest Burma’s treatment of Muslims.

Aerosmith started an Asia-Pacific tour in April with their first-ever concert in New Zealand and several shows in Australia. They’re scheduled to play Wednesday in the Philippines.

Western music acts are popular in Indonesia, but Islamic hard-liners have forced changes or cancellations in the past.

Lady Gaga canceled what was to be the biggest performance on her “Born This Way Ball†tour in Asia last year. Hard-liners had threatened violence if the concert was held because they saw the pop diva as a corrupting influence.

Jennifer Lopez, who judged “American Idol†alongside Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler for two seasons, toned down her costumes and dance moves during an Indonesian concert in late November.

Source: Irrawaddy.org