Black Eyed Peas out of Michael Jackson concert

LONDON (AP) -- The Black Eyed Peas have pulled out of this week's Michael Jackson tribute concert in Wales.

Luther Vandross was outed as gay after his death.

LONDON (AP) — The Black Eyed Peas have pulled out of this week’s Michael Jackson tribute concert in Wales.

Organizers say the band, whose hits include “I Gotta Feeling,” has withdrawn due to “unavoidable circumstances.”

Christina Aguilera, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, Leona Lewis and Cee Lo Green are on the bill for Saturday’s “Michael Forever” show at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.

Chris Hunt, chief executive of event organizer Global Live Events, said Wednesday that the concert would be a “fantastic evening,” despite the absence.

The show is not affiliated with Jackson’s estate, but his mother Katherine and other relatives are scheduled to attend.

Organizers have rescinded an offer to the band Kiss over singer Gene Simmons’ past criticism of Jackson.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.

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