The Black Eyed Peas have cancelled their Las Vegas residency in an announcement to the group’s Instagram account on Sunday due to ‘current circumstances.’
The band – which comprises of original rapper will.i.am, Taboo, and apl.de.ap – was initially set to take to the stage at Planet Hollywood for 15 dates through the months of February, March and May.
However, in a now-expired post, they penned to their fans: ‘To our dearest Peabodies, It is with a heavy heart that, in light of current circumstances, our Las Vegas shows will not be moving forward as planned.’
‘Ticket providers will issue full refunds automatically. Stay tuned for updates on future performances by following us – we can’t wait to see you again,’ the messaged concluded, followed by a red heart emoji.
Although it was not directly referenced, the group was possibly referencing to the devastating L.A. fires in Southern California – which have taken the lives of 27 and destroyed over 15,000 structures.
Taboo owned a home in Altadena – where the Eaton Fire began in the evening hours of January 7.
The Black Eyed Peas have cancelled their Las Vegas residency in an announcement to the group’s Instagram account on Sunday due to ‘current circumstances; members Taboo, apl.de.ap and will.i.am seen in 2022 in Las Vegas
He listed the house – which included a recording studio – on the market in 2016 for $2.175 million, per the L.A. Times, and it is not known if he still has a residence in the area.
Last year in September, the musical group first announced their first Las Vegas residency called Black Eyed Peas: 3008 The Las Vegas Residency.
At the time, will.i.am expressed in a statement, ‘Our first residency in Las Vegas gives Black Eyed Peas the opportunity to do what we do best, to dream up something brand new and creative that pushes the boundaries of the live show experience.’
Last month in December, the rapper revealed that the residency was inspired after he attended Taylor Swift’s concert for her Eras Tour.
During an appearance on SiriusXM’s Hits 1 Miami With Mack & Jen, he recalled how he heard Swift’s tour being hyped up, per Billboard.
‘Like, “How dope can it actually be? It’s just a show.” When people praise stuff that much, there’s no way that it’s that dope. It’s impossible.’
When he went to see one of her concerts in Italy, will.i.am had yet to take the offer for the Las Vegas residency, while Taboo and apl.de.ap were also on the fence.
He shared, ‘I went to Taylor Swift, like, with super heavy skeptics goggles on,’ but then admitted the performance ‘was hardcore, bro. The best s**t in the world.’
However, in a now-expired post, they penned to their fans: ‘To our dearest Peabodies, It is with a heavy heart that, in light of current circumstances, our Las Vegas shows will not be moving forward as planned’
The band was initially set to take to the stage at Planet Hollywood for 15 dates through the months of February, March and May; will.i.am seen in October 2024 in Miami
Taboo owned a home in Altadena – where the Eaton Fire began in the evening hours of January 7. He listed the house on the market in 2016, per the L.A. Times, and it is not known if he still has a residence in the area; seen in 2021 in Boston
‘I left like, “Yo, we definitely doing Vegas. Let’s do it.” That’s how transfixed I was [with] that Taylor Swift show.’
The music artist continued, ‘And then from there I called our management like, “Yo, that Vegas offer still there? Say yes to it … I just came from Taylor Swift’s show, and we’re gonna do it.” I’ve been freaking energized and inspired. So thank you Swift.’
The Black Eyed Peas had their breakthrough in 2003 with the album Elephunk – with Fergie also a part of the group.
The band dropped a number of hits throughout the 2000s, such as Where Is The Love, Imma Be, Boom Boom Pow and Meet Me Halfway.
They raked in a variety of accolades, including six Grammy Awards, eight American Music Awards and two Billboard Music Awards.
J. Rey Soul replaced Fergie after she left the group in 2018 – and an A.I. presence named Vida was also set to be a part of the Las Vegas residency.
The band’s announcement on Sunday comes amid the catastrophic Los Angeles wildfires that began nearly two weeks earlier on January 7 in the Pacific Palisades.
A number of residents and celebrities lost their homes to the blazes, such as Miles Teller, Anthony Hopkins, Paris Hilton, Jeff Bridges, Joshua Jackson, Tina Knowles, Heidi Montag and her husband Spencer Pratt.
Last month in December, the rapper revealed that the residency was inspired after he attended Taylor Swift’s concert for her Eras Tour; will.i.am seen in 2023 in England
As of Monday, the Pacific Palisades fire is 59% contained and has burned a total of 23,713 acres,’ per the L.A. Times.
The Eaton Fire in the Altadena and Pasadena area is currently 87% contained and has burned 14,021 acres with 9,416 destroyed.
Last week on Thursday, will.i.am notably teamed up with D-Nice and DJ Hed for the L.A. Check In virtual concert to help aid in fire relief efforts.
The event was streamed live at the rapper’s FYI Studios and viewers were able to tune in on D-Nice’s Instagram and will.i.am’s YouTube channel.
The concert also received support from Annenberg Foundation, will.i.am’s I.Am Angel Foundation and WalkGood LA.
The event was described to have ‘uplifting, soulful sets designed to inspire and connect’ and offered the opportunity for viewers to donate funds for victims of the fires and first responders.
Former Black Eyed Peas member, Fergie, also visited firefighters after her Brentwood mansion was seen near the flames.
The Black Eyed Peas had their breakthrough in 2003 with the album Elephunk – with Fergie also a part of the group; seen in 2006 in Canada
Former Black Eyed Peas member, Fergie, also visited firefighters after her Brentwood mansion was seen near the flames
The singer appeared in a clip shared by OC Firefighters and expressed, ‘Hey, I just wanna say thank you so much to all the firefighters out there. Thank you so much. My house was saved.’
‘I couldn’t be more grateful. Thank you for all your hard work, working around the clock, fire departments, sheriffs departments, thank you to everyone.’
She also gave a special shout out to the city of Los Angeles for ‘all your love and human spirit.’
The caption of the video read: ‘Thank you @fergiefor visiting Base Camp today and showing gratitude to the thousands of first responders on the #lafires.’
