Re:Eminem's Group Won't Perform At Boynton Club
Eminem group won't perform at Boynton club
BOYNTON BEACH -- Turns out this sleepy suburb could be too controversial for Eminem's homeboys.
The rap sensation's backup band, D-12, has canceled a gig at Club Ovation scheduled for next week in the wake of a melee at the South Federal Highway nightspot Sunday, the club's owner said.
D-12's promoter attributed the change of plans to a "scheduling conflict" that will put the band in Tampa for an event next Tuesday.
But Ovation owner Randy Grinter, who initially learned of the cancelation Wednesday from a reporter, said D-12's promoter was scared off by recent publicity surrounding the nightclub.
Two people were stabbed, and three were treated for exposure to tear gas after fights at the club's "Hot Chocolate Sunday" hip-hop party, police said.
Following the incident, Boynton Beach Mayor Jerry Taylor asked for a police report detailing problems at the club.
D-12 was scheduled to perform Tuesday night. Organizers had not confirmed whether Eminem would perform with them.
"The show is going to be heavily scrutinized by the media, and maybe that is the reason they didn't feel like having the focus on them," Grinter said. "I respect their decision. It's a business decision for them."
Fans who bought the $28.50 tickets will be refunded through Ticketmaster, Grinter said.
Grinter, who opened Ovation two years ago, said it was the first time a group cited "scheduling" conflicts for canceling.
D-12 was part of a lineup that included rap artists Bone Crusher, Slum Village and King Gordy.
None will perform Tuesday because the artists were packaged as one show, said Bobby Reynolds of World Wide Entertainment, a Miami-based promoter.
Asked whether the cancelation was related to Sunday's melee, Reynolds said, "Not that I believe."
He could not name the event that D-12 planned to attend in Tampa or whether the band would be performing