And Finally Artist News Gigs & Festivals

Vanilla Ice On Ice on ice

By Andy Malt | Published on Thursday 24 November 2016

I think we’re all breathing a deep sigh of relief that 2016’s terrible reign will soon be over. It’s still got a few slaps to the face left for us to endure though. Just when you thought you could take no more, possibly the greatest event ever programmed has been cancelled. Vanilla Ice will no longer be performing on ice in London next month.

A concept so simple it’s hard to believe that no one had thought of it before, the rapper was set to appear at Alexandra Palace’s ice rink for three shows just before Christmas. Fans would have been able to watch the rapper perform hits like ‘Ice Ice Baby’, that one for ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2’, and some other stuff included to fill a reasonable amount of time, all while skating around on the ice.

Announcing the show earlier this year, promoter Peter Taylor of Cuffe And Taylor said: “‘Vanilla Ice On Ice’ is going to be a truly unique experience giving people the chance to skate during the concert. Vanilla Ice is a firm favourite with people of all ages and since his appearance on ‘Dancing On Ice’ he clearly has a passion for ice-skating. We’re sure that these three nights of concerts are going to be hugely popular and a fabulously fun way to start the festive period”.

What has 2016 taught us though? Never be sure of anything. Because we apparently live in a world where Vanilla Ice can’t even sell enough tickets to fill an ice rink for three nights. I blame Brexit. And probably Donald Trump. Either way, all three shows have been cancelled.

In a statement this week, Cuffe And Taylor said: “This decision [to cancel ‘Vanilla Ice On Ice’] has not been taken lightly but despite much excitement about the show, ticket sales have not been as we anticipated”.

On the plus side, the ice rink will still be open, so feel free to skate around rapping your favourite Vanilla Ice hits in his absence.