For the past decade Lauryn Hill has been known far more for her eccentricities than for her music. Her refusal to play by the book regarding her career, such as releasing new studio material, has garnered her a reputation as being a “troubled artist.” The former Fugee’s recent concert tour has done nothing to change that perception. Routinely showing up to shows late, sometimes up to three hours late, has begun to turn the audience against Hill. At a recent show in Atlanta, Vibe reports that concert goers already annoyed by the star’s tardiness were further irritated by the singer’s refusal to play her signature songs in anything resembling their original arrangements. As one concert goes is quoted as saying, “[Audience members] didn’t walk out — they stomped out!” Despite the poor notices Hill’s tour continues to see brisk ticket sales. Her next show is set for Tuesday at Minnesota’s historic venue, First Avenue and 7th Street Entry.
In other disappointing concert news, Mos Def has suddenly called off his tour of Australia and New Zealand just days before it was to begin. The Brooklyn emcee gave no reason for cancelling his shows but a statement was released by the promoters. It read, in part, “Hip-hop artist Mos Def will not be performing in New Zealand and Australia this week. We wish to advise that the near sold out Mos Def Auckland show at The Powerstation scheduled for Wednesday 19th January has been postponed…there has been an incredible amount of excitement around the concert and we understand that many fans will be disappointed by this news.” Make up dates are expected to be announced shortly and ticket holders to the canceled gigs are all eligible for a refund.
