For once I don't blame the Chicoms...
Canadian warbler Celine Dion has cancelled her Beijing concert after "failing to obtain a permit" amid rumors the authorities are punishing her promoters, who staged Bjork's Shanghai show last month in which she called for Tibetan independence.
However, Dion's concert in Shanghai -- her first in China -- is due to go ahead on April 11.
In a statement released through the Beijing Evening News, a spokesman for the singer said that the promoters, China-based Emma Ticketmaster, had not got approval for the April 13 concert despite selling more than 10,000 tickets for the show in the 64,000-seater Workers' Stadium.
The singer's web site on Wednesday said that attempts to find another venue, indoor rather than outdoor, had failed and offered refunds to those who had bought tickets.
Emma Ticketmaster had earlier said the show was canned due to concern that Beijing's sandstorms could affect Dion's recovery from a throat infection. Emma Ticketmaster could not be reached for comment.
http://www.variety.com/VR1117983370.html
