Following in the footsteps of Paul McCartney and Phish, Jay-Z is seeking approval to perform atop the famous Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City.
The New York Post reports that the rapper is aiming to host a "surprise" concert on the theater's marquee on July 8, potentially turning the area near Times Square into a block party. The performance would come in conjunction with an appearance on "The Late Show with David Letterman," which films daily in the Ed Sullivan Theater.
A law-enforcement source told the Post that the concert is expected to move forward as planned. “If [Jay-Z] gets permission from the mayor’s office, it’s going to be off the hook,” the source reportedly said. “They’ll have to shut down Broadway around the Letterman building. They’ll have to have a strong police presence. It’s going to be chaos with so many fans.”
Mayor Michael Bloomberg put a stop to a previous marquee performance from Jay-Z and Eminem in 2010. The duo moved their concert to the building's rooftop, which did not require a permit. The Post's source raised continued "logistical concerns" regarding the potential July 8 event but said it would be "a great event for New York City.”
In addition to Jay-Z and Eminem, Dave Matthews Band performed a set from atop the theater's roof in 2002, the day before their album "Busted Stuff" was released.
The potential Ed Sullivan stint marks a continuation of Jay-Z's heavy marketing campaign for newly announced album "Magna Carta Holy Grail," which is slated for a July 4 release.
Check out Jay-Z and Eminem performing "Renegade" on the Ed Sullivan rooftop in 2010:
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