All the Rock + Metal Bands Canceling or Postponing Dates in Russia
Earlier this week, Green Day announced their decision to cancel their upcoming show in Moscow due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but more acts were always expected to follow. A slew of performers have now bowed out or altered their touring plans as a result of the ongoing conflict, and below you'll find a summary of who's doing what where the dates in Russia are concerned.
As stated, Green Day were one of the first acts to bow out of playing in Russia. “We are aware that this moment is not about stadium rock shows, it’s much bigger than that," stated the group via their social media. "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.”
Though the band has yet to make a public announcement, a representative for The Killers has told TMZ that the band is planning to pull out of the Park Live Festival that is set to take place in July in Moscow. The bill also features a number of top rock and metal acts playing as well. Royal Blood, another of the acts on the bill, also revealed their intent to drop out of the Park Live Festival in a social media post, expressing that they "stand united with all Ukrainian and Russian citizens who want peace."
Bring Me the Horizon issued a statement via their socials sharing their solidarity with Ukraine "against the atrocities being committed by the Russian leadership" by canceling their upcoming dates in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.
In their statement, the band explained, "Ukraine is an incredibly special place for us. We have toured & made numerous music videos there, making a lot of strong bonds & lifelong friendships. We are in awe of the bravery demonstrated right now by the Ukrainian people & we pray for a return to peace as soon as possible. Russia, we also want to acknowledge that the atrocities being committed by Russian leadership does not reflect the ideals or beliefs of the incredible people we have met there. We will be using our platform and our voice do do what we can to support Ukraine in these incredibly difficult times."
One of Bring Me the Horizon's recent collaborators, Yungblud, has canceled his upcoming shows in Russia. The singer posted on Twitter, stating that he was "heartbroken, because I know the vicious and brutal acts of the Russian regime in Ukraine over the past week does not reflect and attitudes and ideals of the beautiful people who I have met in Russia in the past."
He continued, "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 deserved to be the creator of their own destiny, rather than having it forced on them by acts of war and aggression."
Punk icon Iggy Pop has bowed out of a festival appearance in Moscow on July 10. "Our thoughts are with the Ukrainians and all the brave people who oppose this violence and seek peace," his booking agency offered in a social media posting.
Maneskin, meanwhile, had already postponed a European and Italian tour and they revealed to fans that they were unable to offer updates on the run, admitting that the ability to do so was being impacted by "this moment of tension for Europe and the whole world."
"We are closer than ever to our fans, our partners and all the people plagued by war right now," stated the group. "Our solidarity goes to all those who are suffering from the conflict in Ukraine and we hope that the ongoing violence will see an end. Together with this hope we also have that of being able to update you as soon as possible, in times of peace."
Slipknot joined the growing list of acts altering their plans on March 2, issuing a statement announcing their plans to postpone tour dates Kyiv, Moscow and Minsk. "We had looked forward to reuniting with our fans in these incredible cities, coming back together after global lockdown. But we take this step in support of our community and in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, for whom the struggle continues, in a new and more terrible form. We also acknowledge that our Russian and Belarusian fans are overwhelmingly united with the Ukrainians in their fight for peace," stated the band.
Also posting on March 2, Cradle of Filth announced that they were calling off their June tour through Russia. Using an Albert Camus quote, the band offered, "Peace is the only battle worth waging."
Iron Maiden joined the list on March 3, revealing that promoters have cancelled the band's shows taking place May 29 in Kyiv and June 1 in Moscow as part of their "Legacy of the Beast" world tour. "Our priority is, and will always be, the safety of our fans," stated the group.
Also on March 3, Sum 41 exited their upcoming dates in Russia and Ukraine. "We are saddened by the horror being committed by Russian leadership and feel there is no other course of action for us to take," stated the band. "We must stand with those we support."
On March 7, My Chemical Romance shared their deep regret in announcing their June 2022 cancellation of shows in Russia and Ukraine.
On March 15, Behemoth revealed their cancellation of shows in Russia and Ukraine in April. "We condemn the attacks on the lives and freedom of the Ukrainian people and continue to support the resistance efforts being bravely carried out," stated the group.
Korn bowed out of their scheduled shows in Russia and the Ukraine, announcing on March 17, "We’ve come to the only available option, which is to cancel our shows there and in Russia. We were greatly looking forward to reconnecting with our fans in these countries, but we are taking this step to stand in solidarity with Ukraine. We also acknowledge our fans in Russia who stand united with the people of Ukraine in their fight for peace. We’re very sorry to our fans in both countries, and most importantly, our prayers go out to all involved."
We'll add to this list as more cancellations or postponements come in.