They could not believe they wanted him to do entertainment...of all things. However the need was there apparently and the illithid could choose his venue.
That's why they choose the hive: where despair would grip your mind and not let go
The first chains in need to shatter are the ones imposed on the mind
His attempts were met with...terror...however. Magical illusions were tried but things just got worse. In the end they jus spat on the ground and resolved to go leave these people be.
Charisma (performance) aided with illusions?: 1d20+3 7