James Taylor explained to concertgoers that he was unable to attend the wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce due to a long-standing performance commitment. "You know, [my wife Kim] and I were invited to a wedding at Madison Square Garden tonight," Taylor told the crowd on Friday, according to The Berkshire Eagle. "The 1970s icon — whom Swift is named after — has been performing at Tanglewood in Lenox, Massachusetts, in an annual Independence Day concert for the past 52 years, beginning in 1974."
The traditional concert typically takes place at the Koussevitzky Music Shed and is followed by a fireworks display.
Taylor, 78, expressed well wishes to the couple, stating he wishes the bride and groom "happiness and smooth sailing."
Other notable figures also missed the event. "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest revealed he had to cancel his RSVP because he was hired to host a Fourth of July special for Disney on July 3rd and 4th. "I couldn't have done both," Seacrest explained, noting the wedding took place in the afternoon.
Among other celebrities who were unable to attend were Harry Styles, who was on tour in Europe; Serena Williams, who had a scheduled Wimbledon doubles match before withdrawing due to injury; and Robert Pattinson, who stated he was filming "Batman."
Swift and Kelce were married on Friday at Madison Square Garden. Reports indicate that the ceremony included performances by Paul McCartney and Stevie Nicks, with McCartney reportedly singing The Beatles' "I Want to Hold Your Hand."