Concert Meltdown in Russia: Ye’s Shows Called Off
Formerly known as Kanye West, Ye was slated to headline the Gazprom Arena in St Petersburg on 10 and 11 October. The venue had earlier announced it would not rent its ground to the promoter, citing a lack of a formal contract. More than a contractual snarl, the cancellation followed a wave of criticism from Russian officials and pro‑war commentators over the rapper’s recent anti‑Semitic posts and swastika‑laden merchandise.
Say Agency, the promoter, confirmed on Telegram that the concerts would not proceed “with sincere regret”, and said it would issue an official statement soon.
The arena’s spokesperson added that it had never signed a rental agreement and that it had received complaints from local residents about the artist’s past statements.
West, who returned to touring in early 2025 after a five‑year break, had previously played in the United States, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands. Yet his Russian shows have become the latest in a string of cancellations, following a ban at London’s Wireless Festival and cut‑outs in Poland, Italy and France.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova labelled the planned performances “unacceptable” and criticised the rapper’s “glorification” of Hitler.
West has yet to issue a public response to the cancellation, but his career has seen a sharp decline in mainland tourism amid continued backlash over his controversial statements.
