Most artists have avoided performing in Russia since the start of the war in Ukraine. But Kanye ‘Ye’ West would never stoop to putting himself in that category.
The controversial American rapper, who has been barred from several European countries, was due to perform in St Petersburg on 10 and 11 October, thereby becoming the biggest western act to play in the country since 2022.
Following earlier reports that St Petersburg’s Gazprom Arena said it would not host the rapper, as no rental agreement has been signed, Ye’s two dates have now officially been cancelled.
According to the Moscow-based organizer Say Agency, who confirmed the cancellation, refunds for purchased tickets will be available.
The agency, which had previously disputed the venue’s statement regarding rental agreements, did not elaborate further on the reasons behind the cancellation. However, according to the Russian media, the decision was made by the authorities. The organisers had begun selling tickets before obtaining the necessary approval, and the cancellation was decided following “a call from Moscow”.
Russian authorities are reportedly investigating the organizers for alleged fraud – as reported by the Kommersant newspaper, citing an anonymous source.
St Petersburg outlet Fontanka had previously reported that the concerts had not received all the necessary approvals and were going to be called off following a “call from above” in Moscow.
The cancellation follows opposition to West's booking from some Russian politicians wishing to rid the country of any Western influence. These include conservative Russian lawmaker Vitaly Milonov, who released a video statement in which he suggested West should perform traditional Russian songs instead of his planned setlist.
“Maybe after that he’ll stop his disgusting antics and become a normal person,” he said.
Conversely, some Russian politicians had hailed the announcement of West’s visit as a victory against “anti-Russian hysteria” - despite the rapper’s antisemitic past and comments glorifying Nazi Germany.
West’s antisemitic remarks began in 2022, when he made a series of offensive comments on social media which ended up getting him booted off both X and Instagram. The musician was dropped by his talent agency and fashion brands like Adidas and Balenciaga also distanced themselves from West.
West went on to post a picture of KKK robes, rescind his previous apology to the Jewish community, declare himself “a Nazi” and assert that he has “dominion over his wife”.
In February 2025, West started selling swastika t-shirts, and in May, he released a song titled ‘Heil Hitler’, which praised the Nazi leader. This led him to be stripped of a visa to enter Australia and faced withimmediate arrest in Brazil.
West apologised for his actions and took out a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal earlier this year. He addressed his past antisemitic comments, reflecting on a "four-month-long manic episode of psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behaviour" and saying that he “lost touch with reality.”
Still, many questioned the timing of his apology, considering it coincided with the release of his new album ‘Bully’ and the start of his world tour.
