Kanye West’s Russia Concerts In Doubt As St Petersburg Stadium Withdraws Venue

Plans for two concerts by Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, in Russia have been thrown into uncertainty after the St Petersburg stadium announced that the shows would not take place at its venue.

Gazprom Arena had previously promoted performances by the rapper on October 10 and 11, describing him as one of the world’s most influential music artists. Tickets reportedly sold out immediately, with some priced at about £1,390 ($1,896).

The latest development comes after Gazprom Arena said it had not signed a contract to host the concerts and was not the event organiser. The venue said the shows therefore could not take place there.

Moscow-based promoter Say Agency, however, said the concerts had not been cancelled. The agency said it was surprised by the stadium’s announcement and had only learned about the development when it became public.

According to Say Agency, Gazprom Arena had previously approved an official letter announcing the concerts, although a formal rental agreement had yet to be signed.

The uncertainty follows earlier cancellations or restrictions involving Ye in several European countries over concerns linked to his previous antisemitic remarks and expressions of sympathy towards Nazism. Ye has denied being antisemitic or a Nazi and previously said, “I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people.”