World renowned American and British rock acts are cancelling planned live performances in Israel following the naval raid aboard the Gaza-bound aid flotilla last Monday, which ended in the death of nine pro-Palestinian activists and the wounding of dozens of others, Xinhua reported.
The latest in a string of acts to cancel their arrival in Israel is U.S. alternative rock band "The Pixies", who announced their decision earlier Sunday.
"We're deeply saddened to announce today, the Pixies' decision to cancel its show in Israel on June 9," read an official statement issued by the band's management. "The decision wasn't easy and it's clear to us that the Israeli fans awaited the band's visit to Israel way too long."
"We'd like to extend our deepest apologies to the fans, but events beyond all our control have conspired against us," explained the band's organizers. "We can only hope for better days, in which we will finally present the long-awaited visit of the Pixies in Israel."
The Pixies followed in the steps of bands "The Klaxons" and " Gorillaz Sound System," who cancelled their Israeli concerts in immediate response to the naval raid, just 36 hours before they were to step on stage.
Israeli media reported that the cancellations were followed by call from pro-Palestinian groups and left-wing Israeli organizations, who urged the artists to reconsider performing in Israel due to the country's "policy of bigotry and suppression of the Palestinians."
Among the first who did heed the call were Gil Scott-Heron and British rock icon Elvis Costello, who cancelled two appearances planned for later this month weeks before the raid, citing "the current political climate" behind his decision.
While Costello and Scott-Heron are well-known for being left- wing ideologists, the Pixies are not considered a political band. Some analysts said that part of the reason for the band to cancel their Israel gig is attributed to a fear of upsetting their international fan base.
While still many artists stepped onto the Israeli stages, like legendary hard rock band "Metallica", who performed in the Tel Aviv area two weeks ago and Russian-born Master ballet dancer Mikhail Barishnikov, Israeli fans are now nervously anticipating the reaction of additional artists to the incident.
Legends Elton John and Rod Stewart, "The Editors", Neil Sedaka and Suzanne Vega, all of whom are scheduled to perform in coming weeks, have not yet announced any decision to skip their performances in Israeli.