By Daniel Bird,Katy Hallam
Copyright birminghammail
Robbie Williams has been forced to axe a concert due to terror concerns. The pop icon was set to take the stage in Istanbul next week, but has informed supporters the performance has been scrapped over public safety worries. Robbie maintains strong connections with Turkey, given his spouse, Ayda Field-Williams, has half-Turkish heritage. Read more TV presenter dies after falling from third floor trying to escape armed robbers The 51 year old was slated to appear at Istanbul’s Atakoy Marina, however the firm organising the event opted to withdraw the show owing to security threats and public opposition. His gig was scheduled for October 7, marking two years since Hamas’s assault on Israel, during which 1,200 civilians lost their lives and 251 individuals were taken captive in Gaza. In a statement, Robbie said: “I’m extremely sorry that I will not be able to perform in Istanbul next week. “City authorities have cancelled the show in the interests of public safety. “The last thing I would ever want to do is to jeopardise the safety of my fans – their safety and security come first. “We were very excited to be playing Istanbul for the first time, and purposely chose the city as the final show of the BRITPOP tour. “To end this epic run of dates in front of my Turkish fans was my dream, given the close connections my family have with this wonderful country.”, reports the Mirror . “To everyone in Istanbul who wanted to join the 1.2 million people who have shared this phenomenal tour this year with us, I am deeply sorry. “We were so looking forward to this show, but the decision to cancel it was beyond our control.” At present, the Foreign Office is advising Britons against travel to Turkey, with guidance on their dedicated travel advice page warning that travel insurance may be rendered void if individuals journey against Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) recommendations. Concerns began to escalate after Robbie expressed his backing for Israel following the devastating incidents on October 7. He had previously revealed that he was bringing up his four children in the Jewish faith, which is practised by their mother, his spouse Ayda. He explained that at home, the family observe Jewish customs “out of respect.” At a Tel Aviv performance in 2023, Robbie declared from the stage: “I’m raising my kids Jewish and I’m grateful for the Jewish people. “My wife is Jewish, so my kids are Jewish. I like to keep some of the traditions going in the family, just out of respect for you guys and their history.” He also bears the Hebrew word “Simcha” tattooed on his wrist, meaning happiness.