Pope Benedict XVI has cancelled the Vatican Christmas Concert (”Concerto di Natale in Vaticano”), reportedly saying that he doesn’t like pop music, and prefers Bach and Mozart instead.

Dolores O’Riordan performed there three times in recent years, in 2001, 2002, and last year, 2005, her most recent public performance.

The change is little surprise, as some artists (including Dolores) were reportedly disappointed last year when Benedict didn’t bother to meet the artists.

When Hot Press asked Dolores about the new pope last year, she said, “John Paul used to work the crowd a bit whereas Bennys only new in the gig she says, laughing. He probably needs a few lessons and a pair of shades from Bono!

Not all is lost, though, as a di erent organization has agreed to start an alternate Christmas concert, and to move it to the city of Montecarlo.

Other prominent artists at past concerts included Andrea Bocelli, Tom Jones, Dionne Warwick, Josh Groban, Dee Dee Bridgewater, The Corrs, Lionel Richie, and (infamously) Lauryn Hill.

Thanks to Luca for the tip.

Source: La Stampa