Here Are All the Artists Who Have Canceled Russian Shows (Updating)

[Taylor Swift]

Music artists are protesting violence launched by Russian President Vladimir Putin by canceling their upcoming concerts in the country.

 

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale attack on Ukraine in the early morning hours of Feb. 24 that has left hundreds dead and many injured, and in response, music artists are protesting the violence by canceling their upcoming concerts in the country.

After months of military buildup along the Ukrainian border, Putin announced that he was deploying a “special military operation” into Ukraine that has since turned into an unprovoked attack on the country. Putin is demanding that Ukraine demilitarizes, and is aiming to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO, a defensive alliance of 30 countries including the United States.

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See below for our ongoing list of artists who have canceled scheduled concerts in Russia.

Green Day

Green Day had been scheduled to perform on May 29 at Moscow’s Spartak Stadium, which has a capacity of more than 45,000.

“With heavy hearts, in light of current events we feel it is necessary to cancel our upcoming show in Moscow at Spartak Stadium,” the band explained via an Instagram Story. “We are aware that this moment is not about stadium rock shows, it’s much bigger than that. But we also know that rock and roll is forever and we feel confident there will be a time and a place for us to return in the future. Refunds available at the point of purchase. Stay safe.”

Louis Tomlinson

Tomlinson was scheduled to perform in Kyiv’s Stereo Plaza in Ukraine on July 4 before traveling to Moscow to perform at Circus City Hall on July 6 as part of his 2022 World Tour, in support of his 2020 debut album Walls. 

“Due to the recent events in Ukraine, I have to sadly announce that my tour shows in Moscow and Kyiv are cancelled until further notice,” he wrote in a short note to his fans on Twitter. “The safety of my fans is my priority and my thoughts go out to the people of Ukraine and all those suffering from this needless war.”

Yungblud

“I’m heartbroken to announce I will be cancelling my Russian shows scheduled for this summer,” the “Strawberry Lipstick” rocker shared via Twitter on Monday (Feb. 28). “Heartbroken because I know the vicious and brutal acts of the Russian regime in Ukraine over the past week do not reflect the attitudes and ideals of the beautiful people who I have met in Russia in the past!”

Yungblud then added a message to the Ukrainian people, writing, “My heart is with you – you’ve already shown such strength and determination, resisting this needless invasion. Everyone deserves to be the creator of their own destiny, rather than having it forced upon them by acts of war and aggression. Ukraine, I promise I’ll come back as soon as I can!”

AJR

“We are sad to announce that we will be cancelling our upcoming show in Russia,” the group tweeted on Friday (Feb. 25) about their concert in Moscow, originally scheduled for Oct. 22. “Thank you to our Russian fans who oppose their country’s unprovoked and criminal behavior. Our hearts are with the people of Ukraine. At this point, the best thing you can do is share ACCURATE info.”

Health

“Though we do not wish to penalize our fans for governmental decisions that are beyond their control, given the current state of affairs we will no longer be performing our previously scheduled shows in St. Petersburg and Moscow,” the rock band wrote in a statement shared to Instagram. “Our thoughts go our to the people of Ukraine.”

The Killers

A spokesperson for the Las Vegas-bred band confirmed to Billboard that they will no longer be playing a July 17 date as part of the Moscow-based Park Live Festival as a reaction to Russia’s actions.

Iggy Pop

The punk godfather also dropped off the roster for Park Live and bailing on his July 10 date, explaining in a tweet that “In light of current events, this is necessary. Our thoughts are with the Ukrainians and all the brave people who oppose this violence and seek peace. #StandingWithUkraine.”

Franz Ferdinand

The Scottish rockers canceled planned shows in St. Petersburg (June 29) and Moscow (July 1) following Russia’s aggressive action in Ukraine. In a statement, they explained, “We love Russia. This great country has inspired our band through its art and literature and since we first played there seventeen years ago, we have built a rich and deep relationship with our Russian fans. Since Thursday morning, we have spoken to many of our friends in Russia via social media and have encountered unanimous opposition to this violence and solidarity with our Ukrainian friends. We know you see the madness of your country’s leadership. We know you do not want war.”

The statement ended with a hopeful message: “Despite the tragedy of this situation, we still burn a flame of optimism in our hearts and look forward to the day when we can return in a time of peace to share the joy of music together again.”

Bring Me the Horizon

The rockers announced on March 1 that the band was canceling its scheduled shows in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus due to the Russian invasion. “In solidarity with Ukraine and to stand against the atrocities being committed by Russian leadership, we must cancel our forthcoming dates in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine,” their statement read. “We are in awe of the bravery demonstrated right now by the Ukrainian people, & we pray for a return to peace as soon as possible.”

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds

Cave announced on March 1 that he and his band were pulling out of summer shows in Russia and Ukraine. “Ukraine, we stand with you, and with all those in Russia who oppose this brutal act, and we pray that this madness is brought to a close soon,” the statement read in part.