By Mark Gray
10:04am PST, Mar 9, 2022
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The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine is having an effect on entertainment and live music. Over the past few days, several major, major acts have pulled the plug on scheduled concerts in Ukraine, due to safety, and in Russia, out of protest. Emo band My Chemical Romance, for instance, announced on March 7 that it was putting a fork in its Russia and Ukraine concerts. "With deep regret, My Chemical Romance is cancelling our Ukraine and Russia shows in June, 2022," an Instagram message said. "We hope to be able to play for the fans there soon."
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On March 1, for instance, Eric Clapton announced that his June shows in Moscow and St. Petersburg have been canceled and "…it is highly unlikely that they will be reinstated at any time," the guitarist's rep told TMZ. Find out who else is pulling the plug on their Russia and Ukraine shows…
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The Killers don't see a "brightside" to performing in Russia right now. The group's rep told TMZ the Las Vegas-based band will no longer be playing at the Park Live Festival, which is set for July in Moscow. The group cited Vladimir Putin's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine as the reason for pulling out.
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Green Day's May 29 show in the Russian capital is off. "With heavy hearts, in light of current events we feel it is necessary to cancel our upcoming show in Moscow at Spartak Stadium," the punk band said in a statement on its 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."
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Metal band Iron Maiden is no longer playing two shows in the region due to a promoter's decision. "We are very sorry to announce that due to the ongoing situation in Ukraine, the promoters have cancelled the two Iron Maiden shows scheduled for May 29th in Kyiv and June 1st in Moscow on the 2022 Legacy Of The Beast World Tour," the group tweeted. "Our priority is, and will always be, the safety of our fans."
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Like The Killers, Iggy Pop is pulling out of his scheduled performance at the Park Live Festival — and for a very similar reason. "The festival appearance of Iggy Pop in Moscow on the 10th of July 2022 is canceled," his official Twitter said on March 1. "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."
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Russia will have one less direction this summer. Louis Tomlinson is canceling his shows in both Ukraine and Russia because of the conflict. And the former One Directioner is making it clear who's at fault. "Due to the recent events in Ukraine, I have to sadly announce that my tour shows in Moscow and Kyiv are canceled until further notice," he said on social media on Feb. 28. "The safety of my fans is my main priority and my thoughts go out to the people of Ukraine and all those suffering from this needless war."
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Yungblud was "heartbroken" to cancel his concerts in Russia, but he promised to play Ukraine when it was safe. On Feb. 28, the rocker said he was "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!" He tweeted, "To the people of Ukraine, a country. I've spent time in and have dear friends in. 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." Yungblud added, "Ukraine, I promise I'll come back as soon as I can! My heart is with you, always." A few days earlier, the 24-year-old posted a video of his support for Ukraine.
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Imagine Dragons were among the first groups to cancel shows in the region. "In light of recent events, we're sad to announce our Russia and Ukraine shows are cancelled until further notice," the group wrote on Twitter on Feb. 28. "Our thoughts are with Ukraine and all others suffering from this needless war." The message was accompanied by a Ukrainian flag.
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Indie group AJR already gave its October Moscow concert the axe. "We are sad to announce that we will be cancelling our upcoming show in Russia. Thank you to our Russian fans who oppose their country's unprovoked and criminal behavior," the pop trio said. "Our hearts are with the people of Ukraine. At this point, the best thing you can do is share ACCURATE info."
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Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds have called off concerts in Russia and Ukraine — and they also praised Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling him "heroic." "In light of current events, we have no choice but to cancel our shows in Russia and Ukraine which were due to take place this summer," they wrote on social media. "Our thoughts and love go out to the brave people of Ukraine, their heroic leader, and all those suffering from this senseless war. 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."
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Franz Ferdinand loves Russia… not President Vladimir Putin. The rock band penned a lengthy message to fans about canceling shows this summer. "The only reason for this is the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian state. 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," the group said on March 1. "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. We do not want war. 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."
