Vanilla Ice has canceled his Fourth of July concert in Texas after he "listened to his fans." He announced this in an Instagram video Thursday, July 2.
"Hey guys, Imma give you a little update about the concert in Austin," the Iceman began. "Basically I'm not going," he added with a chuckle. Vanilla Ice then said that he listened to his fans and that he hears everyone out there. He admitted: "I didn't know the numbers were so crazy." Ice went on to explain that the event was booked a long time ago and they hoped that the numbers would be better by the Fourth of July.
"We just want to stay safe, we do take it seriously, and we want to make sure everyone stays safe." Vanilla Ice added: "We wanted to have a good time on Fourth of July, but it turned into a big focal point on me, and it's not about that."
The 90s icon greeted everyone a happy Fourth of July and ended his announcement with a throwback. "Hopefully by New Year's this corona crap will have a cure. Come on! Go Ninja Go," referring to his 1991 hit. "Go Ninja, Go Ninja GO!" was a part of the soundtrack for the 1991 film "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze."
Travis County Health Department spokesperson Jen Samp sent a statement to TMZ. "This is not wise regardless of who is performing at any gathering right now," Samp told the entertainment portal. She added: "The best way to be nostalgic is by protecting your parents and grandparents and staying home."
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Vanilla Ice (@vanillaiceofficial) on Jul 2, 2020 at 10:27am PDT
Vanilla Ice's "Independence Day Throwback Beach Party"
On Tuesday, June 30, Vanilla Ice shared the post for his upcoming show. His Fourth of July concert was entitled "Independence Day Throwback Beach Party," to be held at the Emerald Point Bar & Grill.
READ MORE: Vanilla Ice To Headline Fourth of July Show in Texas Despite COVID Surge
Shortly after, the rapper posted a video of jampacked people at a concert. "I can't wait to get back to this," The Iceman wrote in the caption. He added that the 90's were the best - citing the lack of cell phones, computers, and coronavirus. The Texas-native reminisced how the 90s was different from today, recalling "5.0's, blockbuster, Beavis and Butthead, Wayne's world, Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan."
Reports said that the event could still push through because of a legal loophole. Last week, Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered the closure of all bars and limited restaurant occupancy. The Emerald Point, situated on the shores of Lake Travis, is technically considered a restaurant. Since more than half of its sales come from food, it is still a restaurant by classification. It allowed them to continue the event until The Iceman himself canceled it. Had it continued, the venue would allow 2,500 patrons from its maximum capacity of 5,000.
Also, patrons wanting to purchase a ticket are met with a warning. "Please note any interaction with the general public poses an elevated risk of being exposed to COVID-19." The announcement added that the organizers could not guarantee that fans won't be exposed during the event. The ticket seller also noted that "the event organizer is solely responsible for the health and safety of this event."
