The Roots have pulled out of two David Bowie tribute concerts in New York after a disagreement.
The hip hop group’s band member Questlove has revealed the ‘You Got Me’ hitmakers, along with Bilal and Kimbra, have cancelled their appearances at the Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall shows over what appears to be an issue about shared equipment.
Questlove – whose real name is Ahmir Thompson – wrote on Instagram: "Mood. I’ve never been so insecure or petty as to deny a fellow musician use of ANY of my equipment (or my band’s equipment—-or resources or contacts or knowledge or ANYTHING) it angers me when that same courtesy is not reciprocated. (Believe you me I was about to get #TomPetty or #PettyWap or #PetRockAndCLSmooth or #BlackPetty or however you wanna roll wit it)—keeping a level head and not being self destructive is a weak point I’m working on. But I’m also keeping it true: The Roots/Bilal/Kimbra (w/ Wendy Melvoin, DD Jackson & Ray Angry) pulled out of these Bowie gigs. We have patience. But we do NOT have patience for the #Bitchassness. Enjoy your precious equipment. (sic)"
It isn’t clear who Questlove is referring to, but The Roots are clearly not going to perform at the two Bowie tribute gigs, entitled The Music of David Bowie, which are to take place at Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall in New York, on Thursday (31.03.16) and Friday (01.04.16) respectively.
Several stars including Debbie Harry, Pixies, Michael Stipe and Cyndi Lauper are all due to play at the shows, where musicians will play Bowie songs.
The late music legend died of cancer in January aged 69, but the concerts were announced just hours before it was confirmed he had passed away.
Following the news, a statement on the concert’s official site read: "The unexpected death of David Bowie has made this tribute to him into a memorial concert.
"While the series has had the surprise appearances and performances of the honoree several times in the past, this one will certainly become a poignant honour of his music by his friends, peers, and fans. We are all deeply saddened at this news, the timing of our public on-sale bizarre in its timing, and the show is taking on many more emotions. RIP David and may gods love be with you…"
The Roots pull out of Bowie show
