It has been reported that Gil Scott-Heron has cancelled his concert in Tel-Aviv due in May 2010. This is no doubt the result of a wide campaign to urge him not to perform in Israel. With Palestinian artists and musicians calling for a cultural boycott of Israel, campaigners were deeply saddened by Scott-Heron's apparent decision to play a high-profile gig there.
Speaking on-stage at London's Royal Festival Hall last Saturday, Scott-Heron told the audience he "hated war" and, in a lengthy monologue, told the packed audience his Israel tour date would not be going ahead.
It's great news that this date has been cancelled. Scott-Heron was cheered and applauded when he made his announcement.