Kanye West concerts in Russia in limbo: Cancelled or not?

Since the invasion of Ukraine, Kanye West has been on track to become the first top Western musician to perform in Russia.

Two of his shows in St. Petersburg were set for October 10 and 11.

But reportedly not anymore, according to Gazprom Arena — the stadium where Ye was set to perform.

Permission or no Permission?

In a statement on Telegram, the venue said, “Gazprom Arena was not and is not the organizer of this event."

“That was handled by the Moscow concert agency Say Agency. Gazprom Arena has not signed any agreement to rent the stadium for the event."

"No such agreement exists. Accordingly, the concert cannot take place at our venue," the statement added.

But here the confusion surfaces

Just a week ago, Gazprom Arena itself promoted the concert of the Grammy-winning rapper on its Telegram channel, according to Fontanka, a leading Russian digital news outlet.

Say Agency, the promoter, is otherwise announcing that West's concert will go on.

"Everything will definitely take place," said the company's Anna Subcheva, CEO of Say Agency.

Apparently contradicting Gazprom Arena's statement, the executive said, "They sent us the [Gazprom Arena] agreement, and we have to sign it by August 27th."

"We don't understand the basis and reason for this statement; we're not aware of what's going on right now."

"At this time, YE's concert has not been cancelled!" Subcheva doubled down on the Say Agency Telegram channel, before adding, "We're trying to contact the venue to find out the reason for the post and resolve the issue. We'll keep you updated."

Enter Russian government

Beyond the alleged venue and promoter confusion, there are reportedly issues with official approval.

In St. Petersburg, a gathering of over 300 people required permission from the city's Committee for Culture.

Yet, according to Fontanka, the organizers did not apply for it.

But then a dramatic explanation is also given for the alleged cancellation of West's concerts: a call from Moscow.

Sources told the outlet that Gazprom Arena received a call from the Russian capital to axe the shows.

It is unclear who made the call because the insider did not name it, yet the confusion surrounding West's concerts remains unchanged.