By Ismael AbduSalaam
With criticism mounting after this week’s second aborted Rochester concert, New Orleans superstar Lil Wayne is now striking back against accusations of unprofessionalism.
In an exclusive statement to AllHipHop.com, Wayne publicist Myiah Hughes from AR PR Marketing first illuminated the reason for the concert’s first delay on October 26.
“Lil Wayne has not cancelled the Rochester, New York Blue Cross Arena performance,” Hughes explained to AllHipHop.com. “Failure to provide adequate equipment per a signed agreement, caused the October 26 concert date to be postponed.”
The concert promoter had alleged that Wayne walked out on the concert and fans due to being dissatisfied with the show’s sound system.
According to Hughes, Wayne made every attempt to accommodate the concert’s organizers, even in light of his just announced, 24-city “I Am Music” tour.
“Wayne offered the promoter, Ed Strickland, another date without penalty,” she elaborated. “Due to mandatory tour rehearsal for his upcoming ‘I Am Music’ tour the date had to be postponed again.”
In addition to Wayne’s headlining, nationwide arena tour conflicting with the Rochester show, the rapper also declined to attempt to do the show without T.I., who was booked to co-headline on December 6.
Unfortunately, the Atlanta star also had to pull out after discovering the Rochester concert would conflict with an appearance that same evening on Saturday Night Live.
Currently, Wayne fans that purchased tickets for the October 26 show will have to patiently wait for a third concert date to be announced.
Despite the problems behind the scenes, Hughes was adamant in detailing that Wayne’s first concern is always sharing his music with his fans, and that the much-delayed Rochester, New York show remains a top priority on his busy schedule.
“He never wanted to let down his fans and has already made arrangements to reschedule the performance,” Hughes added. “The Rochester date will take place after his tour.”
Wayne’s anticipated “I Am Music” tour kicks off December 14 in Miami.