On Wednesday, the French electro-pop group Yelle declared that they would be canceling their planned autumn tour across North America. This decision comes in response to the “very worrying” political climate present in the United States.
The band expressed their apprehensions about immigration policies and the state of free speech as key factors for canceling their North American tours. Traveling with their young child, they emphasized the need to ensure their family’s safety during such uncertain times.
“Today, we have come to the exceedingly tough choice to call off our North American tour for several reasons,” Yelle communicated to their followers on Instagram. “The current US political environment, particularly concerning immigration and free speech, is deeply concerning. As we are now touring as a family with our young child, it is more crucial than ever that we feel secure,” they posted on their Instagram account.
Aside from their worries about the U.S. political climate, the band also expressed concerns over the “great financial burden” the tour has placed upon them.
“In addition, the overall costs of this tour are becoming barely possible to balance and it is putting a great financial burden on us,” they stated.
As noted by online music outlet Pitchfork, Yelle is part of a growing list of international acts who have expressed concerns over performing in the U.S. following President Donald Trump‘s return to the White House.
Members of the British punk band U.K. Subs claimed that they were denied entry into the U.S. in March, citing incorrect visas and other undisclosed reasons. The band’s bassist, Alvin Gibbs, theorized that his “regular and less than flattering public pronouncements regarding [Trump] and his administration were a factor” in his entry being denied.
Bob Vylan, the British punk duo whose anti-Israel set at the Glastonbury Festival drew widespread condemnation, had their U.S. visas revoked by the State Department following their controversial performance.
Another international artist, Bells Larsen — a transgender singer-songwriter from Montreal — said he had to cancel his tour after being unable to apply for a visa due to new U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services policies that do not recognize transgender identities.
