Alternative US rock band The Pixies have cancelled their first-ever performance in Israel, just days after a deadly Israeli naval raid on an international aid flotilla.

"It is with great regret that we announce today The Pixies' decision to cancel their appearance in Israel on June 9," promoter Shuki Weiss said.

A short statement from the band read: "We'd like to extend our deepest apologies to the fans, but events beyond all our control have conspired against us."

The group did not specify why they were pulling out of the show.

In March, The Pixies were sent an open letter from human rights activists urging them to cancel the appearance because of Israel's policies towards the Palestinians.

"As much as some of us are huge fans and would love to hear your show, we won't cross the international picket line that is growing in numbers steadily nowadays to come and see you," the group Boycott! wrote.

"The picket line might not always be visible, yet it is there.

"Are you prepared to perform in Tel Aviv while, just under your nose, millions of human beings are suffocating under a cruel Israeli military regime, denying them elementary human rights?"

Other acts - including Elvis Costello, Carlos Santana and rap forefather Gil Scott-Heron - have recently pulled out of gigs there.

Costello called off two concerts which were due to have taken place in the coastal city of Caesaria on June 30 and July 1, citing Israel's "intimidation" and "humiliation" of Palestinians.

It is unclear whether his wife, singer-songwriter Diana Krall, will go ahead with a show in Tel Aviv in August.

- AFP