Unrest in Thailand cancels Frankie Valli concert

1/20/2014

BANGKOK — Sixties doo-wop singer Frankie Valli has canceled a concert in Bangkok this week because of Thailand’s political unrest, the event’s promoter announced today.

Promoter BEC-Tero Entertainment PCL said Wednesday’s performance was being scrapped “Due to the current political situation and its associated difficulties, and for the safety and well-being of customers.”

The concert, billed as Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, was to be held near one of several sites where protesters have been demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. Violence has marred some of the protests, leading to nine deaths since November. Two explosions wounded 28 people in Bangkok on Sunday.

“I am truly disappointed that I can’t perform for my fans in Thailand on Jan. 22. But your safety and security are more important and really matter to me. My thoughts are with you all. I promise I will come back to perform in Thailand soon,” the announcement quoted Valli saying.

The promoter said concerts by other visiting artists, including Avril Lavigne in February and Eric Clapton and Bruno Mars in March, are still planned.