Aerosmith cancels Jakarta concert over safety concerns

Hard rock band Aerosmith has cancelled a concert in the Indonesian capital Jakarta over safety concerns, a concert promoter has confirmed.

Aerosmith had been due to play in Jakarta next weekend.

The band issued a statement posted on the Facebook page of concert promoter Ismaya Live apologizing to fans and also saying: “We… hope one day we can make it up to them.”

“They gave no specific reasons for the cancellation,” said spokeswoman Sarah Deshita.

“We are sad and disappointed.”

“We did all we could to ensure security was tight and even engaged the marines but it’s not enough,” she told news agency Agence France Presse.

Sarah Deshita said around 85% of the tickets for the concert had been sold.

Security was tightened around the Burmese embassy and ambassador’s house in Jakarta on Friday after two men suspected of plotting a bomb attack were arrested.

Last year, Lady Gaga cancelled a concert in the Indonesian capital, citing security concerns following protests by religious groups.

Police in Indonesia had refused to issue a permit for Lady Gaga after Islamic groups objected to her show, claiming it was too vulgar.

They had called upon the singer to tone down her performance but her management took the decision to pull the plug instead.

Rihanna also twice pulled out of concerts in the city in 2008 and 2009.

Singer Steven Tyler arrived in Manila on Sunday, where Aerosmith is due to play on Wednesday as part of their ongoing world tour.