(Cover) - EN Showbiz - A charity concert featuring the Black Eyed Peas was cancelled last night due to bad weather conditions in New York.

The band were due to take to the stage in a live show which was also scheduled to feature Taylor Swift, Debbie Harry, LL Cool J and Natasha Bedingfield in front of 60,000 spectators in Central Park's Great Lawn. However, severe thunderstorms, lightning and rain forced the event to be delayed for an hour before it was eventually called off. The Robin Hood Foundation - which fights poverty in New York and helped organise the Concert 4 NYC - said it would have been too dangerous to let the show go ahead.

"The heat wasn't going to stop them, the rain wasn't going to stop them, but the lightning - it stopped them," the organisation said in a statement. "It came down to safety for everyone. Organisers are hoping to reschedule, so ticket buyers should hold onto their tickets. Robinhood.org will have information in the next week or so."

The Black Eyed Peas revealed they were disappointed not to perform live for the crowd and later expressed their regret by posting messages on social network sites.

"I'm so sad the show got postponed," will.i.am wrote on Twitter.

"Fergie is really sorry it's not happening, we feel horrible," Taboo Tweeted. "We are devastated and Fergie told me to tweet this she loves u all."

He later posted another message, saying he is keen for the band to perform when the concerts gets another date. "I hope that the concert will be rescheduled ASAP , our pea-ple deserve it , my peaple from chase and robinhood deserve this NYC we love u (sic)," he added.

The group later decided to boost spirits by performing an intimate show for around 80 people in the backstage area. (C) Cover Media