Police cancel Fumez The Engineer’s London show 20 minutes before doors open
Police confirmed that a section 60 order, which increases stop and search powers, had been authorised near the venue
Drill rapper Fumez The Engineer’s debut headline show in London was cancelled by police 20 minutes before doors were due to open on Friday (November 12).
A video posted to Twitter showed the rapper standing outside the O2 Academy Islington venue telling fans the show had been cancelled.
“Everyone that’s here for the show, apologies the police have cancelled it,” he said. “Unforeseen circumstances, they’re saying there’s planned violence.”
He added that everyone would be issued refunds, and that he would pay with his own money if the venue didn’t pay.
Islington Police confirmed before the show that a Section 60 order had been authorised for postcodes N1 in Islington. It added: “The O2 Academy has been closed for the evening and we would advise anyone planning on travelling to the venue not to do so.”
A Section 60 allows police more stop and search powers, including in anticipation of “serious violence” in the area.
A New Scotland Yard spokesperson responded to NME about why the venue was closed: “Following intelligence received around the potential for serious violence, police advice was given to the O2 Academy Islington in relation to a concert due to take place on the evening of Friday November 12.
“The venue took the decision to cancel the event. There have been no arrests and no reports of any injuries.”
The rapper also shared the video to his own Instagram and captioned it with a statement.
“To my fans, my supporters and my family I’m sorry to announce my first ever headline show has been cancelled by the police.
“From the bottom of my heart thank you to everyone who brought their tickets & made the effort to come down. I only found out 20 mins before the doors were meant to open that it was cancelled and it’s completely out of my control.”
He has since confirmed that his Dublin show on Saturday (November 20) at The Academy is still scheduled to go ahead.