Aerosmith cancelled on the band's first trip to China, citing failure to "meet contractual obligations" on the behalf of concert promoters.
"We are extremely upset to have disappointed our dedicated fans," vocalist Steven Tyler said. "They have welcomed us into their country and due to uncontrollable circumstances we will not be able to perform. We were so excited to share our music with them and look forward to one day returning and giving them the show they deserve."
As to what contractual obligations weren't met, the band hasn't said. According to a recent story from NPR on the band Metallica's first trip to China, concert promoters in the country aren't entirely realistic or upfront when pitching shows. Adam Wilkes, a senior vice president for AEG Live, said that government gyms and construction projects served as China's main concert venues.
"There was no roof on the building, and the floor was mud," he said about one tour of venues. "They were convinced that somehow, three months later, the building would be ready for a show."
Of course, the issue could also be that Aerosmith is touchy about shows. The China gigs aren't the first foreign concert the band has cancelled this year. The group cancelled a May show in Indonesia over security concerns. The threat that threw the band for a loop was aimed at the Myanmar Embassy in Jakarta, an event that had little to nothing to do with American political affairs. The announcement of the cancellation came the day after the suspected plotters were arrested.
The band will back in the United States on August 30, kicking off its "Global Warming" tour in Milwaukee.
