Vanilla Ice CANCELS Fourth Of July Texas Concert Following Major Backlash Over COVID-19 Concerns

C.A.

Vanilla Ice has finally thawed his stone-cold stance on hosting a concert amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Following major backlash for a scheduled “Independence Day Throwback Beach Party” this Fourth of July weekend in Texas, where coronavirus cases have spiked by the thousands, the Ice, Ice, Baby rapper has officially decided to cancel the show!

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ICYMI, the 52-year-old was set to perform at a 2,500-capacity venue in Austin on Friday despite a recent surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the state. The artist took to Twitter on Thursday night to share the decision, which he admits was heavily influenced by the opinions of his fans — and you know, the guidelines set out by countless medical professionals and state officials, but who’s counting?

Alongside a video message to followers, he wrote:

“Due to the increase in COVID-19 numbers in Austin we’re gonna move the concert to a better date. We were hoping for better Coronavirus numbers by July but Unfortunately the numbers have increased quite a bit so for the safety and health of everyone we’re going to stay home.”

Smart move, dude!

Ice continued to explain himself within the clip, saying that although plans for the ’90s-themed show were in place “a long time ago,” it’s simply not worth the risk:

“Basically, I’m not going. I listen to my fans, I hear all you people out there. I didn’t know the numbers were so crazy in Austin, but we were hoping it would be a lot better by Fourth of July because we booked this concert a long time ago.”

It’ll be a disappointment to the thousands of people who were looking forward to all of this, but let’s face it: it would be near impossible to enforce social distancing in that scenario, even at the outdoor Emerald Point Bar & Grill where the concert was slated to take place. Other bars and venues across the state remain closed, but since the aforementioned venue is technically a restaurant, it was allowed to stay open.

Hear from the man himself in the full video update (below):

Again, this is definitely for the best!

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Although Vanilla Ice promised plenty of throwback vibes and nostalgia at his set, Travis County Health Department spokesperson Jen Samp said it best when she told TMZ:

“This is not wise regardless of who is performing at any gathering right now. The best way to be nostalgic is by protecting your parents and grandparents and staying home.”

Now, can Chase Rice finally cancel his ongoing tour and get on board with the times, too?! Just saying!

[Image via WENN/Instar]

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