FOLSOM, Calif., Jan. 9 (UPI) -- This weekend's planned Johnny Cash tribute concert at California's Folsom State Prison has been canceled, The Los Angeles Times said Wednesday.
The event, which would have featured the iconic singer's music and an appearance by drummer W.S. "Fluke" Holland -- one of Cash's original backup musicians -- was meant to mark the 40th anniversary of the Man in Black's historic performance in the prison's cafeteria.
Sunday's concert was scrapped because of security concerns, and demands regarding filming rights and media access, the newspaper said.
"I'm crushed," said promoter Jonathan Holiff, who claims to be the son of the late singer's one-time manager. "I was in tears when I found out."
Oscar Hidalgo, spokesman for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in Sacramento told the Times: "We're no longer talking 40 years back, with Johnny Cash performing with a few guitars and a speaker. This was a major production, with a stage and four camera posts. The plans were ever-changing."
"The whole Johnny Cash story is one of redemption," said Joe Avila of Prison Fellowship Ministries, which helped underwrite the event. "Johnny was wild at heart, just like these men. But just like him, they can change. They can walk the line."
