US rap legends Public Enemy cancel three shows on upcoming Australian tour

Fans are left fuming after iconic US hip-hop duo Public Enemy abruptly cancelled three of their upcoming Australian shows.

Fans are left fuming after iconic US hip-hop duo Public Enemy abruptly cancelled three of their upcoming Australian shows.

The hip-hop revolutionaries, consitisting of Chuck D and Flavor Flav, were due to kick off their On The Grid 35th Anniversary Tour at Perth’s Red Hill Auditorium on October 2.

But this past week, organisers TEG cancelled that show along with gigs in Adelaide and Newcastle, meaning the group’s Aussie tour has been slashed in half.

Public Enemy legends Chuck D and Flavor Flav at the Grammy Awards in 2023. Picture: Amy Sussman/Getty Images

The legends were due to perform massive shows in six capital cities around the country, but with the aforementioned cities scrapped, it leaves stops in only Melbourne, Sydney and Queensland.

“TEG Live regretfully advise that the Public Enemy shows in Perth, Adelaide & Newcastle have been cancelled due to unforeseen scheduling issues,” reads a statement quietly released on the Ticketek website.

Fans have since taken to social media to voice their disappointment and have called for transparency when it comes to cancelling shows.

The hip-hop icons were due to perform six shows in Australia from October. Picture: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

”Sometimes, it would be better for the promoter to just outright say they haven’t sold enough tickets,” one fan commented.

“Because to claim there is a scheduling conflict as the reason to cancel one show despite not cancelling the show right before or immediately after gives it away anyway.”

Another agreed: ‘They’re some convenient scheduling issues for the three shows most likely to be undersold.”

“Yes because it’s not profitable to book under-attended shows in isolated cities, and it’s not profitable having to cancel them,” another reasoned. “Touring is business, and business goes where the money is.”

Organisers have now slashed three Aussie shows from the duos schedule, meaning they will only perform in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Picture; Rich Polk/Getty Images

Flav and Chuck D have frequented our shores over the years, playing at big festivals and clubs in the country. But the tour was meant to be their much-anticipated return in a decade.

The duo, founded in 1985 and known for their hits Bring The Noise, Fight The Power and Don’t Believe The Hype, were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2013 for being game changers in their field.

Their impact and influence goes beyond the recording studio and stage with the pair blending music, politics and philosophy to fight racial injustice and inequality in the US and beyond.

They’ll be joined on their Aussie tour by local hip-hop duo A.B. Original, who shares the same views at Flav and Chuck D.

The supporting act, consisting of rappers Briggs and Trials, have also used their platform for good to address racial and societal injustice in Australia.

Public Enemy remaining Australian tour dates:

Saturday, October 5 - John Cain Arena, Melbourne, Vic

Wednesday, October 9 - Hordern Pavilion, Sydney, NSW

Saturday, October 12 - Eatons Hill Outdoor, Brisbane, Qld

Four more information or tickets, visit Ticketek.