Robbie Williams has been forced to cancel a concert in Istanbul next week due to security concerns, the singer announced. The show, scheduled for October 7 at Atakoy Marina, was pulled by the event organisers citing public safety risks.
In a statement, Williams expressed his regret, saying: "I'm extremely sorry that I will not be able to perform in Istanbul next week. City authorities have cancelled the show in the interests of public safety." He added that fan safety was paramount and that the decision was beyond his control.
The cancellation comes amid heightened tensions around the anniversary of the October 7 attacks on Israel. Williams, who has voiced support for Israel and raises his children in the Jewish faith, has close ties to Turkey through his wife Ayda Field-Williams, who is of half-Turkish descent.
The Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to within 10km of the Syrian border due to terrorism risks. Williams had hoped to end his BRITPOP tour in Istanbul, which has already been seen by 1.2 million fans worldwide.
