ENTERTAINMENT bosses in Manchester are counting the cost of the war on terrorism.

Aready Janet Jackson has cancelled her European tour, while Shaggy and The Monkees postponed their Manchester Evening News Arena appearances until next year.

Now US guitar band Blink 182 have announced they are rescheduling their sell-out M.E.N. Arena date on November 15 to January 16 next year, and fellow Americans Weezer's October 26 concert at the Apollo is in jeopardy.

Janet Jackson cancelled her forthcoming tour even before the bombing of Afghanistan began, after deciding the risk to her large group of tour personnel was too great to proceed.

''My European fans are among the most loyal and I was very excited to share this show with them,'' said Janet. ''I have agonised over this decision. Like most people the events of September 11 have troubled me enormously and I remain concerned about the foreseeable future.

''If anything happened to anyone on this tour, I could never forgive myself.''

Rescheduling

Shaggy, who was due to appear at the M.E.N. Arena on Saturday night (October 13), has postponed the concert until Saturday, February 16.

The Monkees have rescheduled their Monday, October 22 concert date for Tuesday, March 26 next year.

In both cases tickets are valid for the new dates.

The promoters of Imagine: the Concert, a John Lennon charity tribute concert due to take place at the M.E.N. Arena on Friday (October 12) on the 30th anniversary of the release of his classic album Imagine, also changed their plans and switched the event to a smaller venue in London.

Alan Broach, executive producer, said: ''It seems we suffered from the current international situation, which has affected our ability to persuade people to part with their money to see our show.''

A spokeswoman for SJM, which promotes the Shaggy, Blink 182 and Weezer tours, said: ''It is disappointing the gigs have been postponed but understandable considering current events.''

Nick.Webster@gmnews.co.uk

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