DMX Cancels USO Tour to Persian Gulf

ARLINGTON, VA. (USO) - Earl Simmons, who performs as rapper DMX, cancelled a week-long tour to entertain troops in Kuwait and Iraq. He offered no explanation.

Simmons was scheduled to depart on his tour Aug. 22, but delayed his departure until Aug 23. His representative agreed to add a day to the original schedule. However, on Aug. 23, he failed to appear on time for his flight to Kuwait.

"We are extremely disappointed that DMX decided not to complete the tour he asked us to arrange for him," said John Hanson, USO senior vice president for marketing and communications. "When we announced this tour, troops were extremely excited about the possibility of seeing a performer they admired. We understand their disappointment."

The USO and the military worked on an extremely tight schedule to make it possible for DMX to travel when it was convenient to him. "Typically, it takes up to 45 days to arrange transportation, housing, production assistance and country clearances for entertainment tours," Hanson said. "This tour was put together in just under two weeks, because we know how much service men and women appreciate his performances. Mr. Simmons let a lot of people down."

The USO listens to the troops and does its best to provide the kinds of music and entertainment they request. Celebrities who have performed on USO tours over the last few years include 50 Cent, Toby Keith, Master P, Lil' Romeo, Jessica Simpson, Shinedown, Chely Wright, Shaggy, Drowning Pool, Lil' Mo, La Mafia and Ludacris.

Entertainers on USO tours volunteer their time to perform and meet with U.S. service members around the world. "We will continue to provide quality entertainment to the people who defend us daily around the world in some remote and often dangerous places," said Hanson. "Fortunately, most performers honor their obligation to perform once they make the commitment."