Kanye West’s planned October concerts in Russia have hit a major roadblock after Gazprom Arena announced the rapper will not perform at the St. Petersburg stadium, despite the shows previously selling out.
The venue said it never signed a rental agreement for the Oct. 10 and 11 concerts, which had been promoted as Ye’s biggest Russian appearances and a rare visit by a major Western artist since the war in Ukraine began.
“Gazprom Arena has not signed any contracts to lease the stadium for this event,” the venue said. “No such contract exists. Consequently, the concert cannot take place at our venue.”
The announcement surprised Moscow-based promoter Say Agency, which insisted the concerts are still on.
“As of now, the Ye concert has not been canceled,” the agency said on Telegram, adding that it learned about Gazprom Arena’s decision alongside the public.
Say Agency claimed it announced the dates after receiving an “official letter” of approval from the stadium, although a final rental contract had not been signed.
Tickets reportedly sold out immediately, with some priced as high as $1,896.
Ye has faced resistance to concerts in several European countries following his past antisemitic statements. In January, he apologized, writing, “I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people.”
