Minneapolis club: Lil Wayne canceled because entourage declined security check
A Minneapolis event center says rap star Lil Wayne cancelled a Sunday night show after members of his entourage refused to submit to a security check.
The event center known as The Venue issued a statement Monday explaining why it's giving refunds to those who bought tickets to the show.
The club says its "standard safety procedures" for both customers and entertainers include a pat-down, metal detection, and a request to see a state-issued ID. The Venue says those are similar if not identical to procedures used at clubs and arenas across the Twin Cities and the rest of the U.S.
While Lil Wayne was cleared to enter, The Venue says several other members of his group refused to take part in the safety check. The statement continues:
"Despite the fact that Lil Wayne was permitted entry, the stage was set up to his specifications, and he otherwise appeared ready to perform, he made the decision that he would not perform as scheduled.
The safety of its patrons, its performers, and its staff members is and continues to be the number one priority for The Venue. While The Venue regrets the artist’s decision not to perform, The Venue is not willing to bypass its security standards and jeopardize the safety of its patrons, performers, or staff members."
Lil Wayne had not addressed the incident by Monday evening, although there were rumblings on social media that he was preparing to do so.
Lil Wayne's "Release Partiez" tour includes shows at both large arenas and small clubs. Last week he performed at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.
This week Lil Wayne is scheduled to perform at a small club in Danville, Illinois.
The local director of public safety tells the Danville Commercial-News police are closing the street in front of Studio 25 and restricting parking there.
The Champaign News Gazette notes that at the two other Illinois stops on Lil Wayne's tour – Carbondale and Peoria – police beefed up security both inside and outside the clubs, and no fights or security problems were reported.
Lil Wayne, 32, is a four-time Grammy winner and the CEO of Young Money Entertainment.
