Coronavirus concerns, online criticism freeze Vanilla Ice show

“Because of to the improve in COVID-19 numbers in Austin we’re gonna go the live performance to a improved day,” Vanilla Ice tweeted.

“We ended up hoping for improved Coronavirus numbers by July but Sadly the numbers have enhanced quite a bit so for the safety and health of everybody we’re heading to stay household.”

Barrett Brannam, who owns the venue exactly where Vanilla Ice experienced been scheduled to participate in, mentioned the star — authentic identify Robert Van Winkle — experienced expressed problem about the health of his supporters and himself. Brannam mentioned he did not know when the display would be rescheduled.

“Challenging to say. Could be later on this summer or not until next summer. We will not now how extensive this virus will be all-around,” he mentioned.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott past week shut down bars and clubs in an work to halt what he termed a “huge spread” of the coronavirus. But the Emerald Level Bar & Grill is continue to open and hosting stay tunes since it is a restaurant and performances can just take location exterior.

I’m the most hated man or woman on the planet suitable now more than a Vanilla Ice display.​​​​​​– Barrett Brannam, Emerald Level Bar & Grill operator

The Vanilla Ice display drew prevalent attention — and criticism — when the rapper posted about it on social media Wednesday. Only eighty four tickets experienced been marketed just before the on the net ticket broker suspended sales, Brannam mentioned.

“I just take the coronavirus severe. But we can’t stay in a bubble,” the rapper tweeted just before cancelling Thursday. “I think at this position we all realize the severity of it. (P)ractice social distancing and put on a mask. This is an exterior venue, Fourth of July on the lake with fireworks. Lots of room for distancing.”

The rapper’s management enterprise did not straight away reply to messages trying to find comment.

Brannam mentioned he hadn’t appear below any force to cancel the display from point out or community governments but he has been swamped with calls of grievances. The performer played the same venue past yr in entrance of one,800 people and is booked for the holiday break weekend for the next two several years, Brannam mentioned. Friday’s live performance was booked in 2019, he mentioned.

“I did not know about COVID when I booked this display. No one did,” Brannam mentioned.

He added that the rapper experienced dedicated to asking supporters to put on masks and follow proper social distancing tips. The venue was heading to be checking patrons’ temperatures at the entrance and supplying a mask to any person who needed just one, he mentioned.

The restaurant has been hosting stay tunes performances since it reopened in May well. Brannam mentioned no just one complained until it was a Vanilla Ice live performance. He also said he postponed approaching live shows by Coolio and Tone Loc for next weekend since he wouldn’t eliminate money.

“Vanilla Ice, he is poised for people to poke enjoyment at. No one was indicating anything until he produced his post. That is when all the things went outrageous,” Brannam mentioned.

“I’m the most hated man or woman on the planet suitable now more than a Vanilla Ice display.”