Russian lawmaker demanding artists offer “moral support” for the war in Ukraine.
Kanye West is taking his comeback tour to Russia. But the rapper’s planned two-night return to St. Petersburg is already stirring controversy before he has even stepped on stage.
The 49-year-old, will perform at the 70,000-capacity Gazprom Arena on October 10 and 11, according to the venue.
The announcement has prompted a political warning from Russian lawmaker Nikolay Novichkov.
Who said foreign performers should be prepared to publicly support Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine if they want to make money from concerts in the country.
“They want to make money,” Novichkov told Ostorozhno Novosti. Arguing that artists should understand Russia is in a “special military operation” and provide “moral support” if they consider themselves cultural figures.
Novichkov also threatened to push for Ye’s concerts to be cancelled if he does not offer that support.
The Russian shows represent another major chapter in Ye’s turbulent return to live performance.
After spending an extended period away from the stage, the rapper kicked off his comeback with two sold-out shows in Los Angeles before reportedly drawing a crowd of 118,000 in Turkey.
Ye’s return to the global stage comes after years of controversy surrounding his public statements and actions.
Now, with his Russian concerts approaching. Ye’s comeback tour is once again putting him at the centre of a political storm.
This time before the first word has been uttered.
