U.S. political environment provokes cancellation of French pop band's North American tour, deemed 'deeply concerning'
In recent times, several international artists have faced obstacles when attempting to perform in the United States. The British punk band U.K. Subs and French electro-pop band Yelle are among those who have encountered issues, with visa denials, political climate concerns, and financial burdens being key factors.
The U.K. Subs claimed they were denied entry into the U.S. in March, citing incorrect visas and unspecified reasons. The band expressed concerns over the current political climate, particularly regarding immigration and freedom of speech. Similarly, Yelle announced the cancellation of their North American tour for fall 2022, attributing their decision to multiple reasons, including safety concerns for their young family and financial strains.
The U.S. visa process for artists can be complex, requiring an I-129 form to be approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before artists can apply for a visa. This process can be time-consuming, costly, and potentially disrupt tour schedules. Artists like Brett Yang of TwoSet Violin have experienced visa denials, while fans from countries like Colombia face high rejection rates for visitor visas.
Moreover, some artists have cancelled shows due to concerns over U.S. policies on gender recognition and fears of detention at the border. Canadian singer Bells Larsen is one such example. The current political climate, including anti-immigrant rhetoric and controversial immigration enforcement actions, has heightened apprehensions among international artists.
Furthermore, artists may fear censorship or repercussions for expressing views that could be perceived as controversial in the U.S. Bob Vylan, a British punk duo, had their U.S. visas revoked following their anti-Israel set at Glastonbury Music Festival in June. Another international artist, Bells Larsen, a transgender singer-songwriter from Montreal, had to cancel her tour due to new USCIS policies that do not recognise transgender identities.
These factors collectively contribute to the challenges international artists face when considering performances in the United States. As President Donald Trump returns to the White House, these concerns persist, with international acts like Yelle expressing apprehensions about performing in the U.S. The band did not mention any specific political statement or requirement that led to their decision to cancel the tour, but their concerns over U.S. immigration policies and freedom of speech were evident.
The complex and expensive U.S. visa process for artists, which can involve time-consuming I-129 forms and visa denials, has been a key concern for international acts like the U.K. Subs and TwoSet Violin. Furthermore, some artists may worry about the impact of U.S. policies on gender recognition and fear detention at the border, as demonstrated by Bells Larsen's cancellation of her tour. Additionally, artists might be apprehensive about potential censorship or repercussions for expressing controversial views, as Bob Vylan learned when their visas were revoked due to their anti-Israel stance at a music festival.
