Posted on 04/28/2003 12:05:17 PM PDT by fightinJAG
Billy, Elton Nix Toronto Concert Over SARS Fears Clarkson, Styx, Presley Also Cancel Plans For City
POSTED: 5:26 p.m. EDT April 27, 2003
Because of the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) in Toronto, piano men Billy Joel and Elton John aren't going to be singing anybody a song in the city Monday night.
According to Billboard online, the rock legends have canceled their scheduled gig at the city's Air Canada Centre because of SARS concerns.
The concert -- which is part of Joel and John's latest "Face-to-Face" tour -- reportedly sold out in 20 minutes when tickets went on sale.
Joel and John are the latest in a string of performers to back out of Toronto appearances because of SARS fears.
Billboard reported "American Idol" star Kelly Clarkson nixed a promotional tour stop in the city for her new album, and the rock group Styx and singer Lisa Marie Presley have also pulled out of concert dates.
As of Sunday, 19 deaths in Toronto were attributed to SARS. The World Health Organization has issued a travel warning to the city, as it deals with 250 additional cases of the disease.
In addition, the disease has killed 110 people in mainland China and 109 in Hong Kong.
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