Patti Smith was all set to take the stage for a private performance at the Hotel Chelsea last night, much to the distaste of many of its residents. Many believed she would be “selling out” and taking the side of the building’s new owner, who is evicting over thirty tenants.

But after hearing of their objections, the “Godmother of Punk” decided it would be best to cancel the show.

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“In respect for the wishes of the Chelsea Hotel Tenants Association, I have canceled tonight’s performance,” Smith wrote in a statement. “My motivation was solely to serve the tenants. If this serves them better, than I am satisfied.”

The Huffington Post reports that, after receiving their invitations, many of the eighty residents of the building believed this was a shady move by the Chetrit Group, the new owners of the Hotel Chelsea, and strongly objected to Smith’s involvement. They even planned on holding a protest Thursday night, gathering outside of the building a reciting lyrics from Smith’s song “The People Have The Power.”

The tenants appeared happy to hear of Smith’s decision to cancel the show and hope to reach a mutual agreement with the hotel’s new management.

More Patti Smith News on WCBSFM.com!

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