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.
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.
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.”
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