It was just too good to be true. Last week's plans for Jay-Z's Times Square concert on July 8th, although thought to be in the clear, were officially canceled by the Mayor's office last night due to safety concerns.
A meeting was scheduled yesterday for Jay-Z and Letterman's representatives and representatives from the city and the NYPD to work out details for the concert, the Post reported. However, before the meeting could commence it was canceled by the Mayor's office, and all involved were told that the show was a "no-go."
A police source told the Post yesterday, “The mayor’s office approved it, and then just like that, it got denied.”
There is no word as to why exactly the Mayor changed his mind about the show, but according to the police source there may have been worry about the date's proximity to July 4th. A large number of people gathered in New York City near the holiday may have been too dangerous an undertaking, considering the potential for terrorist action. Also, since the show was not-so-secret, the number of people gathered between 53rd and 54th street would likely have been uncontrollable.
The concert at the Ed Sullivan marquee was supposed to support Jay-Z's upcoming album Magna Carta Holy Grail, which will be available to download for those with Samsung Galaxy phones on July 4th and for retail sale July 9th.
Jay-Z first tried to play a concert in the same location in 2010 with Eminem, but that request was also denied. Instead, Hova was forced to perform on the building's roof. Maybe the end of marquee won't mean the end of a free Jay-Z concert this time around either. We have our fingers crossed.