The National cancel Turkish show due to Istanbul protest violence

Brooklyn group The National have pulled out of their slot at the Vodafone Istanbul Calling festival due to the ongoing clashes between police and protesters in the Turkish city.

The band had originally been scheduled to play the show on 23 June but have now cancelled the live date in response to recent media reports of police using “excessive violence” on peaceful protesters. They wrote on Facebook earlier today:

“We’re sad to report that our Istanbul show has been cancelled. We support the right to peaceful protest and hope that excessive violence by riot police ends quickly. #direngeziparki”

The National recently announced that they’ll play a surprise London show at the end of the month.