Elton John Morocco Concert Goes Peacefully

Despite opposition from religious conservatives in advance of an Elton John concert in Morocco, the event occurred free of any incidents Wednesday.

Organizers for the Mawazine World Rhythms festival in Rabat insisted on allowing John to perform after Islamists objected. A concert in Egypt was canceled because of the singer’s remarks to Parade magazine that Jesus was a gay man, and his statement that Muslim countries treat their gay citizens poorly.

According to the Associated Press, in Morocco, “No riots or violence was reported, said Rabat's governor, Hassan Amrani. Authorities had beefed up security with thousands of police and plainclothes officers.

“In a sign of John's popularity, several thousand of his fans appeared to know his lyrics by heart, even though most people in this French and Arabic speaking country know little or no English.”