By Tuan Nguyen
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — Nearly 60,000 disappointed fans had to be led out of Central Park Thursday night after a storm forced the cancellation of the Black Eyed Peas concert.
Crowds had began lining up for a chance to see Fergie and the beloved band at a free concert, which was also set to star Taylor Swift.
Despite a storm that broke in Manhattan about 6:30 p.m., organizers of the concert originally allowed concert-goers to gather on the Great Lawn.
But as the rolling thunder and lightning began to grow, the fans were evacuated.
"Can't believe it took them so long 2 cancel the NYC #blackeyedpeas concert. it's STILL raining!shld always have a rain date. #Concert4NYC," tweeted by @birdy27.
jrinrevision blasted, "This is fifth ave & 72. Brought to you by Mother Nature, #blackeyedpeas & the worst planners ever. http://yfrog.com/hsmgvgwj
"#BlackEyedPeas concert in Central Park cancelled due to weather. So much lost effort & opportunity for @RobinHoodNYC. Sad. :(," bengundersen
The massive "Concert 4 NYC" was a benefit for the poverty-fighting Robin Hood Foundation with MC Hammer, Debbie Harry, LL Cool J, Carole King and Natasha Bedingfield all set to perform.
While the Great Lawn show is free, concertgoers had to enter a lottery to get one of the 50,000 tickets, officials said. About 6,000 VIPs were charged $500 VIP a ticket, with the proceeds going to the Robing Hood Foundation.
The organization supports disadvantaged youth, by providing music and artistic education, such as music engineering, mixing and video editing.
Some fans vented anger over the long time the organizers before officially cancel the event.
