Kanye West postpones concerts; Chicago shows in peril

Kanye West performs in September on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon.” NBC photo

The fate of Kanye West’s two Chicago concerts next week was uncertain Thursday after damage to some of the rappers’ stage equipment prompted him to postponed several shows.

A truck containing a 60-foot LED screen and a video truss was in an accident Wednesday that “damaged the gear beyond repair,” according to a statement from the rapper’s publicist.

“This gear is central to the staging of the ‘Yeezus’ tour, and central to the creative vision put forth by Kanye West and his design team at DONDA,” the statement said. “As a result of this event, it is impossible to put on the show and the ‘Yeezus’ tour will be postponed until these essential pieces can be reengineered and refabricated.”

Subsequent shows in Vancouver, Denver and Minneapolis were postponed. Nothing was announced about the next dates on the itinerary, United Center concerts on Nov. 7 and 9.

Promoters for the United Center shows could not be reached for comment.

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