Def Leppard Cancel India Gigs, Ending The Saga

The Def Leppard India tour saga has come full circle. Def Leppard confirmed yesterday that they have cancelled the two gigs they were scheduled to play in Mumbai and Bangalore this year. According to a  statement on the band’s website

We are sorry to report that due to unforeseen circumstances, the two shows in India (scheduled to take place on October 17 and 19 in Bangalore and Mumbai, resp.) have been cancelled. We apologize to our Indian fans and we hope to be able to make up for it in the future.

These unforeseen circumstances are explained in a story in today’s DNA. The paper reports that E18 (the show’s promoters) have cited the recent terrorist blasts in various cities and the “church burning fiasco” as reasons for the cancellation. The paper quotes Farhad Wadia, CEO of E18 and organiser of I-Rock

It is the most responsible thing to do considering what has been happening in various cities.

As a concert promoter, we have a duty to the public. I don’t want to jeopardize public safety. Through organizing a concert, I don’t want the loss of an animal, forget human being. I also don’t want a law and order situation on my hands. The show will be rescheduled for early 2009.

Um, yeah. Wait, what?!

Something’s not right. Earlier this year the promoters were having trouble finding sponsorship for the gigs, trying to solicit the same via emailers. It is likely that a lack of corporate backing, coupled with high entertainment taxes, has forced the cancellation.

Even the police don’t buy Wadia’s story. The Karnataka Director General and Inspector General of Police was quoted saying

If the Australian team that was so skeptical about security here can come and play, then that itself is the answer to the sort of tight security that we can provide. The Ramzan and the Daserra has been so peaceful too. There must be some other reason why the group has cancelled their India schedule.

Whatever the reason, India has been denied the hysteria of sugar pouring in 2008 (what? a Def Leppard piece without a pun? hah!).

Indiecision chronicles the Def Leppard India tour saga.

First, the May 16, 18 gigs get cancelled.
Then, the May gigs get pushed to October.
And, the October gigs look for money.
But, the October gigs look iffy.

And finally, this.