Washington
The iconic rock band, B-52s, will no longer perform at a White House dinner for Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese due to the sorrow of the Israel-Hamas war, The Times of Israel quoted US First Lady Jill Biden as saying.
The band, best known for the 1989 hit Love Shack, was scheduled to play at the state dinner for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday hosted by President Joe Biden.
While we had initially planned for the legendary B-52s to perform their iconic dance and party music, we are now in a time when so many are facing sorrow and pain, and we have decided to make adjustments to the entertainment portion of the evening, Jill Biden told the reporters.
The New Wave band, named after a US bomber aircraft but more famous for their beehive hairdos, will still take part in the state dinner but as guests, she adds.
Presidential military bands would provide instrumental music instead, the US First Lady also said.
Jill Biden made the announcement during a preview for the dinner, which will feature a guest chef, dishes including sarsaparilla-braised short ribs and design featuring US and Australian elements, as reported to source.
Albanese arrived at the White House on Tuesday ahead of a formal state visit on Wednesday when he is expected to discuss topics including China, Ukraine, and the Israel-Hamas war.
A day ago, US President Joe Biden and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed the conflict between Israel and Hamas during a phone call, the White House said.
