Neil Young cancels L.A. concert to support stagehands' strike
Last Updated: Thursday, October 30, 2008 | 12:53 PM ET
CBC News
Neil Young cancelled a Los Angeles concert planned for Thursday to show solidarity for striking workers.
The legendary Canadian rocker's concert was scheduled for Oct. 30 at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif.
The stagehands' union, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), is involved in a dispute with The Forum's owners, the Faithful Central Bible Church.
Workers have been seeking a new contract for two years after having suffered pay cuts of up to 35 per cent.
"I am extremely disappointed to have to choose between satisfying my fans or backing my brothers and sisters of the IATSE," Young said in a statement issued Wednesday night.
“I will miss playing in Los Angeles and apologize to my fans for the inconvenience this has caused.”
Young, 62, and his wife, Pegi Young, are honourary lifetime members of IATSE.
His songs are known for their political subject matter. The song Union Man, from the 1980 album Hawks & Doves, addresses the issue directly.
In 2006, Madonna crossed the IATSE picket line at The Forum for the opening night of her Confessions Tour.
The statement said the date will be rescheduled for sometime in 2009 and refunds for ticket holders will be available.
Young's archival live album, Sugar Mountain: Live at Canterbury House 1968, will be released Nov. 25.
