And then there were three, maybe. After announcing the throwback lineup for the Great American State Fair concert on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. earlier this week, organizers have been hit by a raft of cancellations. At press time, it appeared that nearly two-thirds of the nine acts originally revealed on the poster for the series of shows slated to take place from June 25-July 10 to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary had dropped out.
And though former Poison singer Bret Michaels, Morris Day & the Time, Young MC, Milli Vanilli, Martina McBride, the Commodores have all said they will not be participating despite being announced as part of the lineup, two of the remaining acts on the diminished bill vociferously confirmed their participation over the last 24 hours.
In a cheerful Instagram post on Thursday (May 28), MAGA-friendly 90s rapper Vanilla Ice said he’s all-in on the event operated by Freedom 250, a not-for-profit organization created by a Trump administration task force to plan and lead the U.S.’s official semiquincentennial anniversary celebrations.
“America is turning 250, let’s go! I’m super honored to do this concert with everybody,” said a smiling Ice (born Robert Matthew Van Winkle), 58, while walking through a construction site to the strains of his 1990 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 single, “Ice Ice Baby.”
“We’re gonna bring back the ’90s, put your dancin’ shoes on, you’ll be happy, trust me. It’s all about enjoying the great times of 250 years,” he said. “This is a magical event that’s gonna happen and very rare. I’m honored man, this is gonna be epic!”
In the accompanying caption, Ice hinted at the division sown by the announcement of the shows, writing, “This is to bring us all together. I’m tired of all the news channels dividing this country. We are all one. This is not a political platform. This is celebrating America’s birthday. Nothing too serious just enjoying some fun, dancing and great memories.”
Some of the comments begged to differ, though. “Being connected to the current administration is simply NOT a good look, no matter how you try to spin it. If it’s truly about celebrating America, then find a different venue,” wrote one commenter, with another adding, “How can you perform for the President? The corruption and laws broken are off the chain man. You’re a smart good dude. Don’t do it.”
In a somewhat mixed message, pointedly delivered from atop a toilet seat, C+C Music Factory rapper Freedom Williams said he won’t back down after claiming his phone blew up with friends asking why he would sign on to an event put on by the Trump administration.
“I don’t give a f–k about Trump. I don’t give a f–k about Trump’s family,” Williams said in his expletive-filled rant, explaining that he got a call from his agent three months ago asking if he was available for a show on June 25 in D.C., though he noted that Trump was not mentioned at the time. “I know the type of f–king anarchy he creates. But the day I let you motherf–kers tell me what to do is the day I die … I will vote for f–king Genghis Khan, Hitler, and motherf–king Ivan the Terrible before I let you n–gas tell me what to motherf–king do.”
Williams said he initially opted to cancel, but once he heard more of the blowback about the lineup, the MC behind “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” changed his mind. The full seven-minute monologue included swipes at former President Barack Obama and Trump’s harsh immigration crackdown, as well as a clear message to Williams’ detractors.
“You know who 90% of the people was at our shows? White people. You know who 70% of those white people probably voted for? Republicans,” he said. So you n–gas don’t f–king count. You need to stop being on social media thinking that your f–king opinion matters. It don’t. Go talk to your mama. Your mama opinion matters. Only to you.” Williams then dared keyboard warriors to keep pushing him, revealing what controversial booking he might take next time.
“I’ll do the motherf–king show in North Korea,” he said defiantly of the totalitarian state and U.S. antagonist. “Pissing on a f–king American flag. Smoking a Cuban cigar. Drinking Venezuelan wine. Playing golf with motherf–king Kim Il-Jun. With an Iranian b–ch on my lap. While Trump’s standing there with his d–k in his hand, that’s how much of a f–k I give what you n–gas think.”
Michael joined the rush of acts fleeing the lineup ion Thursday when he wrote, “what was presented to us as a celebration of our country has evolved into something much more divisive than what I agreed to be a part of. Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of my fans, band, crew, family and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable.”
On the day the shows were announced, Morris Day quickly denied his “Jungle Love” band would be appearing, writing on Instagram, “Contrary To Rumor, Morris Day & The Time Will Not Be Performing At The ‘GREAT AMERICAN STATE FAIR. It’s a no for me.” Similarly, “Bust a Move” rapper Young M.C. weighed in the next day, posting on his socials, “I HAVE INFORMED MY AGENTS THAT I WILL NOT BE PERFORMING AT THE FREEDOM 250 EVENT. The artists were never told about any political involvement with the event. And despite the claims by the organizers that the event is non-partisan, SPIN magazine describes it as Trump-backed. I hope to perform in D.C. in the near future at an event that is not so politically charged.”
“Girl You Know It’s True” act Milli Vanilli also bailed on Thursday, with the actual studio singers behind the disgraced lip synch duo explaining, “The original/real vocalists of Milli Vanilli, Jodie Rocco, Linda Rocco, Brad Howell, John Davis, and Charles Shaw will NOT be performing their hits live at The Great American State Fair. Others using the name ‘Milli Vanilli’ that appear on the advertisement should be considered a tribute band with no association vocally or musically to our sound or songs.”
Country star Martina McBride was also quick to distance herself on Thursday, writing on Instagram, “I was presented with the opportunity to perform at a nonpartisan event but that turned out to be misleading. I asked lots of questions and was assured this was a nonpartisan event that was meant to celebrate ALL 50 states. In my mind I thought this was a great way to celebrate the states and also bring people together in the way that only music can … Yesterday things started changing and what we were told is, not what is happening.”
While Vanilla Ice and C+C’s Williams appear to still be on board, another of the announced performers, rapper Flo Rida, has not commented so far and organizers have not said how they will fill the now-vacant performance slots for the 16-day festival.
