According to records Smith was to perform a free concert for the hip residents of the infamous Chelsea Hotel. the Chelsea Hotel occupies is notorious as the residence of hip and a legacy in music history. Long associated with the captains of cool, at one time or another the hotel has included Andy Warhol, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, and Iggy Pop as well as Smith among its tenants. We wont even mention the Sid and Nacy bit, no wait….Just did.
But the buiilding is under restoration(of course) and there is a feud (of course) between the new hotel owners and its residents. The hotel has approximately 100 residents that live in the building, the hotel has been closed to guests since summer 2011, according to the New York Times which states current tenants have been feuding with new owners the Chetrit Group. Last month the tenants’ association filed suit against the owners over alleged airborne dust and silica resulting from renovations.
They're fighting over DUST in a New York City building. Are you kidding me? So the residence said they wouldn't attend. This as a way to 'stick it to the owners' I suppose.
Quoting Smith
“In respect for the wishes of the Chelsea Hotel Tenants Association, I have canceled tonight’s performance,” Smith said in a statement. “My motivation was solely to serve the tenants. If this serves them better, then I am satisfied.”
No big loss.