Sting has been forced to cancel a New Year's Eve concert in Sydney after a leading Australian politician deemed the taxpayer-funded event unnecessary.
The Police star had been due to ring in 2011 by headlining a gig in the city on 31 December, which had been arranged by New South Wales' former Minister for Major Events, Ian Macdonald, who stepped down on Monday.
Macdonald's replacement, Kevin Greene, has now decided to axe the concert, which was set to receive a US$245,978 taxpayer contribution. The planned gig was also opposed by local residents in White Bay and members of Sydney City Council.
Greene is adamant the concert wasn't a good use of taxpayer's cash, and insists the show could be moved to Melbourne.
He says, "This matter was handled by the previous minister. I made a different decision. There's enough going on in Sydney on New Year's Eve for everyone. So if Melbourne wants some reflected glory on New Year's Eve by holding a Sting concert, then they can have it."
WENN.com