The Roots were set to play two massive David Bowie tribute shows at New York City’s Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall tonight and tomorrow night, but have pulled out at the last minute over someone’s “Bitchassness” and a dispute over equipment.
Kimbra and Bilal have also walked out on the shows, Questlove breaking the news via Instagram.
“I’ve never been so insecure or petty as to deny a fellow musician use of ANY of my equipment (or my band’s equipment—-or resources or contacts or knowledge or ANYTHING) it angers me when that same courtesy is not reciprocated,” Questlove – also known as Ahmir Khalib Thompson – wrote.
Closing by stating “The Roots/Bilal/Kimbra (w/ Wendy Melvoin, DD Jackson & Ray Angry) pulled out of these Bowie gigs,” he wanted to make clear that: “We have patience. But we do NOT have patience for the #Bitchassness.”
Sounds like someone was bitching about sharing their kick drum and stands I reckon. That or a precious tube amp. Typical wanker move.
But with the line up literally packed to rafters – with the likes of The Pixies, Cyndi Lauper, R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe, Debbie Harry, The Flaming Lips and more all playing, plus Bowie’s longtime collaborator Tony Visconti overseeing the house band – it’s anyone’s guess who is being precious (my bet is on the The Pixies).
Thompson’s music site Okayplayer was also the exclusive media partner for both tribute shows but no word yet on how the walkout will affect that. Pitchfork have reached out to organisers of the shows for comment.
Read the whole post for yourself here below.
