Kanye West is set to stage two concerts in Russia, becoming one of the biggest stars to do so since the country’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The controversial rapper has had multiple concerts cancelled over his antisemitic remarks and was even banned from the UK, where he was due to headline London’s Wireless Festival in April, forcing the event to be scrapped.
Ye, as he’s now known, will play Gazprom Arena in St. Petersburg on October 10 and 11. Tickets have been selling fast with prices ranging from 9,000 rubles ($106) to 160,000 rubles ($1,885).
Tyga, Akon and Jason Derulo are among the artists to have staged concerts in Russia since the war.
Ye’s recent gigs include Kazakhstan, Portugal, Spain and Albania.
Meanwhile, Melvin Benn recently declared that he’s “very confident” that Wireless will be back in the future.
The Festival Republic managing director, who is also the man behind Reading and Leeds festivals, addressed the future of the London-based rap and hip-hop event after the Kanye saga.
The outspoken star was set top the bill for three nights in a row, but the government blocked him from travelling to the UK over his past antisemitic remarks, and several sponsors cut ties with Wireless.
Asked what lessons he learned, Melvin told NME: “Timing, I think, is an important lesson.
“I would hope that other people learn the lesson of forgiveness, because forgiveness is an important part of being a decent human being, in my view.
“So I do think that is a lesson, but that’s not my lesson. I think timing is an important one, but Wireless will return. We’re very confident about that.”
In a post on X, then-Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer wrote: “Kanye West should never have been invited to headline Wireless.
“This government stands firmly with the Jewish community, and we will not stop in our fight to confront and defeat the poison of antisemitism.
“We will always take the action necessary to protect the public and uphold our values.”
Wireless Festival organisers announced the cancellation of the event following the Home Office’s decision to bar the Stronger rapper from entering the UK.
A statement read: “The Home Office has withdrawn Ye’s ETA, denying him entry into the United Kingdom. As a result, Wireless Festival is cancelled and refunds will be issued to all ticket holders.”
It added: “As with every Wireless Festival, multiple stakeholders were consulted in advance of booking Ye and no concerns were highlighted at the time.
“Antisemitism in all its forms is abhorrent, and we recognise the real and personal impact these issues have had. As Ye said today, he acknowledges that words alone are not enough, and in spite of this still hopes to be given the opportunity to begin a conversation with the Jewish community in the UK.”
In a statement released before the Home Office’s decision, the 48-year-old rapper addressed the “conversation around Wireless” and insisted he he wanted to “come to London and present a show of change, bringing unity, peace, and love through my music”.
He added: “I would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Jewish community in the UK in person, to listen.
“I know words aren’t enough – I’ll have to show change through my actions. If you’re open, I’m here.”
