Chubby Checker, the iconic musician known for "The Twist," will not perform at the New York State Fair this summer. Despite being a fan favorite, the singer was not invited back, according to his manager, Shelly Field. Checker, recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, has performed at the fair six times, including the last three consecutive years.
The decision not to invite Checker back comes as the fair aims to diversify its concert lineup. Fair organizers have stated that attendees expressed interest in seeing new musical acts. The New York State Fair, which runs from August 20 to September 1, will feature artists like Cheap Trick, Steve Miller Band, Shaggy, and Busta Rhymes.
Checker's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was announced on Sunday (April 27) and will be celebrated in November alongside other inductees like Cyndi Lauper, Joe Cocker, and Bad Company. Despite his absence from the fair, Checker remains a significant figure in American music history, with hits like "Pony Time" and "Let's Twist Again."
Fair officials congratulated Checker on his Hall of Fame induction and acknowledged his contribution to the fair's history. However, they emphasized the need to introduce new acts to keep the lineup fresh and diverse.