The BBC has published quotes from a number of British P Diddy and Snoop Dogg fans expressing anger that the UK dates of the two hip hop legends' co-headline tour have been axed.
As previously reported, Diddy and Snoop Dogg were due to tour the UK this week, but those plans were put in doubt when it was revealed Snoop Dogg, real name Calvin Broadus, had been refused a visa to enter the UK in relation to an incident at London's Heathrow Airport last year when the hip hop star was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and affray. Initially tour promoters hoped that a visa would be eventually issued, even if P Diddy had to perform the first couple of UK dates without his co-star, but as it became clear that no visa was going to be issued at all, promoters pulled the whole tour yesterday morning. The hip hop stars will not now perform until the European tour resumes in Ireland at the weekend.
P Diddy told BBC 1Xtra yesterday that he was "disappointed" at the news because he and Broadus had been planning a "special show" for their UK fans. Commenting on the last minute nature of the visa issues and resulting cancellation, he continued: "Once his [Broadus'] work permit was granted, everybody felt comfortable to go ahead and put the concert up. It wasn't like this was the first time we were in discussions with the Home Office. You know there were discussions prior to this - they led us to believe that everything would be approved". But he added: "Everybody has their own laws and their own rules in their own countries, and, you know, we're going to respect them. I know that Snoop is a great guy, a positive guy, and I'm not throwing any stones at the Home Office or at the government".
Among the disgruntled fans quoted by the BBC is Hina Joshi from Sunderland who said she was "raging" after spending money to travel to and stay in Manchester to see the gig due to take place there on Saturday. She said: "It's really disappointing when you've been looking forward to something". One Andrew Yeates from Swansea said: "I am gutted. I had the tickets bought for me as a Christmas present and I have taken two days off work". While a David Cartwright from Manchester says he bought his four tickets on eBay for £200, and now feared he wouldn't be able to relocate the eBay seller to get a refund.
Which is all depressing stuff, though the latter story will presumably warm the hearts of those who don't think people should buy tickets off eBay touts. And you know, if you will be fans of criminals, I guess you have to prepare yourself for these occasional disappointments.