Neil Young has canceled tonight's concert in Los Angeles at the Forum. He had received word that the IATSE union, Local 33, had planned to picket his show. Young elected to cancel the performance rather than cross what IATSE told his representatives would be a picket line at his show.
In a statement, Young said "I am extremely disappointed  to have to choose between satisfying my
fans or backing my brothers and sisters of the IATSE. I will miss playing in Los Angeles and apologize to my fans for the inconvenience this has caused."
The Forum management says the icket line is illegal.
Marc Little, Chief Operating Officer and general counsel for the Faithful Central Bible Church and Forum Enterprises, responded by saying “I.A.T.S.E. Local 33 has been insensitive to the African-American ownership of the iconic Forum and has systematically exhibited racism against the church's efforts to employ the local community.  We apologize to the fans who were counting on a great evening of music and the employees who were counting on the income.”
Little states that on July 11, 2006, the National Labor Relations Board ruled that the Forum was  not violating any labor laws.
Young's Los Angeles date will be rescheduled for sometime in 2009. Ticket holders will be able to get refunds at place of purchase.