R&B icon Dionne Warwick was slated to hit the road for “A Night of Class” concerts with Peabo Bryson and Deniece Williams, but a handful of shows were cancelled after organizers received some threatening text messages.
Last week ahead of a show at Atlanta’s Fox Theater, staff members and the producer reportedly received anonymous text messages which were “racist and homophobic,” according to Pollstar. This worried organizers about the safety of the concert promoters and their families, however Fox Theater GM Allan Vela noted that the venue, guests, and artists were not threatened in any way and there were no incidents during the performance in Atlanta.
Atlanta PD Public Affairs Unit director Carlos Campos explained to Pollstar that the sender “seemed to have inside knowledge of the crew’s movements,” but the crew members that were interviewed by police were “not aware of current or past employees who might send such messages.” The police department is still investigating the situation.
“To ensure the safety of all staff and audience members,” Warwick’s concerts at the Altria Theater in Richmond, Virginia, as well as New York City shows at Kings Theater and the Beacon Theater have been postponed.
“Everyone involved greatly apologies for the inconvenience,” a statement from organizers said.
Warwick’s “A Night Of Class” Tour has not announced postponed dates at this time. The trek, which was supposed to wrap-up at the Beacon Theatre on August 31, featured the six-time Grammy Award-winner and her classic hits like “Walk On By,” “Anyone Who Had A Heart,” and “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again.”
