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Beach Boys, Benatar Cancel At Busch Gardens After Controversial Documentary

TAMPA (CBSMiami/AP) — After nine musical acts pulled out of performing at SeaWorld Orlando, the cancellations have spread to its sister park, Busch Gardens.

A spokesman said Thursday that Pat Benatar and the Beach Boys have canceled their upcoming appearances at Busch Gardens in Tampa in the wake of a documentary critical of how animals are kept in captivity at SeaWorld's marine parks.

The performers had been slated to perform at Busch Garden's Bands, Brew & BBQ concert series which starts next month.

Nine recording artists have backed out of performing at a similar concert series at SeaWorld Orlando next month. They include country singers Trace Adkins, Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, as well as rock performers Heart, 38 Special and Barenaked Ladies.

SeaWorld posted ads last month in a handful of newspapers around the nation after the acts pulled out of performing.

The documentary "Blackfish" explores what may have caused a 12,000-pound orca named Tilikum to kill veteran SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau in 2010.

TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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