Lady Gaga denied permit to play at South By Southwest

Lady Gaga has been denied a permit from the City of Austin Music & Entertainment division to play an upcoming gig at the popular South By Southwest music festival in Texas next month (Mar14).

The Applause hitmaker was slated to perform at an event sponsored by snack brand Doritos, in which she was due to play on a stage built as a giant vending machine in the parking lot of a restaurant.

Last year (13), hip-hop stars LL Cool J, Ice Cube and Public Enemy graced the one-of-a-kind stage, but this year local officials have decided that due to Gaga's popularity and loyal fan base, they could not issue a permit for her to perform in the lot.

Don Pitts, the manager of the City of Austin's arts division, tells local blog Austin360.com that since Gaga is such a high profile artist, they saw her gig in the lot a risk for all fans planning to attend the concert.

He says, "Our conclusion was based primarily on public safety concerns. As part of the review process the applicant provides a talent list to the city team to review and we can adjust public resources as needed. We look at the size and capacity of the location covered by the permit being sought and how it fits with the anticipated attendance, based on event capacity and promotion. At the end of the day, it's a parking lot."

While Gaga may not be able to play in the unique venue, Pitts confirmed that they are willing to issue a permit if her concert is moved to an established venue with the "necessary permanent infrastructure."

The South by Southwest Music Festival runs from 11 to 16 March (14).