New York fire officials delay Neil Young concert

NEW YORK (Billboard) - A New York Fire Department investigation delayed the start of a Neil Young concert by almost 90 minutes on Wednesday, forcing about 3,300 confused fans to wait outside in a line stretching around the block.

Fire officials were checking that the 77-year-old United Palace Theatre was up to code. Young called it a "bull---t excuse," once he finally took the stage, but then joked, "unless I catch on fire or something."

His wife, Pegi, was supposed to open the show around 8 p.m., but since no one was allowed in until well after 9 p.m., it was decided that her performance would be scrapped.

Young is scheduled to play five additional nights at the converted movie theater, which is now owned by a church.

Reuters/Billboard