ISTANBUL, Turkey (CelebrityAccess) — Iconic rockers Aerosmith were forced to cancel a performance in Turkey in the wake of a mine collapse disaster that left the country in a state of national mourning.
The band had been set to perform at Kucukciftlik Park in Istanbul on May 14, but were forced to cancel the show after the government declared a state of mourning, shutting down all public events.
"I woke up this morning to the horrific news of the mining disaster in Soma, Turkey. My heartfelt prayers go out to those who have died, those who are still trapped, and their families. We are holding the people of Turkey close to our hearts and respecting the three days of mourning for a saddened nation," Aerosmith frontman Steve Tyler wrote in a statement released on the band's website.
"I feel deep profound sorrow for the workers and their families who have been killed or injured in this terrible disaster. As soon as I heard the news, I called my wife in America and me and my families hearts and prayers go out to the families and workers who were killed or injured. Words can't express the sorrow that we feel," added Joe Perry in the same statement.
At least 283 people were killed and as many as a hundred were left trapped by the explosion, which took place on Tuesday at a coal mine in Soma. Since the explosion, public anger over safety conditions have sparked protests.
As of yet, no word about a rescheduling for the concert has been released. – Staff Writers
