New York's 'homecoming' concert cancelled over severe weather threat

Some 60,000 people were expected at the concert in Central Park but was cut short by the organisers as the Hurricane Henri was getting closer.

Jon Batiste performs during the "We Love NYC: The Homecoming Concert" in Central Park on August 21, 2021 in New York City.
AFP

Jon Batiste performs during the "We Love NYC: The Homecoming Concert" in Central Park on August 21, 2021 in New York City.

New York City shut down its star-studded concert meant to mark its "homecoming" in the wake of the pandemic's worst devastation, over the threat of severe weather as Hurricane Henri churned closer.

Barry Manilow, who was on a line-up that included Bruce Springsteen, Patti Smith and Paul Simon, was cut off mid-song on Saturday by a booming voice urging concert goers to proceed swiftly but calmly to the nearest exit due to approaching storm clouds.

"I was so disappointed," Manilow told CNN after his set was cut short. "This was a wonderful, wonderful experience up until the rain hit. We were so excited to do this."

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Some 60,000 people were expected at the concert in Central Park, as the hurricane, packing maximum sustained winds near 75 miles (120 kilometres) per hour and heavy rains, was drawing closer to making landfall sometime on Sunday.

Sporadic lightning and thunder rolled in over the park as people streamed out of the grounds, with some taking shelter under scaffolding and building entryways.

"I guess for safety it makes sense. I mean I can hear the thunder," said attendee Maria Fuentes.

The weather cut short a show that had begun with groups of revellers cheering and dancing, with seating marked out by laying down picnic blankets ahead of five hours of live music that kicked off at 5:00 pm (2100GMT).

Even before the bad weather hit, many were still concerned over Covid-19, despite vaccination requirements.

All attendees aged 12 and over had to provide proof of vaccination, except for those prevented from getting shots for reasons of disability. Masks were not required at the outdoor event, except for unvaccinated children.

"At least everyone is vaccinated" at the show, said Ilana Gomez, who was most excited to see guitarist Carlos Santana's band play.

"Music is what I missed the most" during the pandemic, the 27-year-old said, adding that it was "amazing" to be with so many people but that she thought it wasn't "the best idea" to have such a large event.

'We are back'

Speaking on local radio Friday, Mayor Bill de Blasio had said the concert was meant as a marker of recovery.

The celebration was planned "to really tell people New York City was back, to tell the whole world," he said.

The pandemic hit New York hard in early 2020, and has left more than 33,000 people dead.

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But life-long New York resident Bill Thompson said he was "more guarded than ever."

Despite lingering coronavirus concerns, the 69-year-old said "it's a joy" to see the city coming back to life.

"It feels so free to be able to enjoy what people have missed for so long."

In the week leading up to Saturday's show, the city hosted a series of hip-hop concerts across the New York boroughs, featuring performances from Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick, KRS-1, and Wu-Tang Clan members Ghostface Killah and Raekwon.

Except for VIP spots, tickets were free for Saturday's concert, which had been set to also feature performances from Jennifer Hudson and LL Cool J.

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