Ye Heads to Russia as Europe’s backlash narrows his stage

Kanye West, now known as Ye, is scheduled to perform Oct. 10–11 at Saint Petersburg’s Gazprom Arena, becoming the highest-profile Western act to play Russia since the Ukraine conflict began, after a string of European bookings were canceled amid backlash over antisemitic remarks and Nazi imagery. His Marseille and Marseille-related appearances were scrapped, the Wireless Festival in London pulled the plug after his visa was denied, and Poland and Switzerland also blocked or canceled shows. The Russia gig signals a controversial pivot as Ye continues his attempt at a comeback despite ongoing criticism and bans in multiple countries.