Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds have canceled concerts scheduled in Moscow and Kyiv this summer, declaring solidarity with both Ukrainian people and Russians who oppose President Vladimir V. Putin’s invasion. “Our thoughts and love go out to the brave people of Ukraine, their heroic leader, and all those suffering from this senseless war,” the group tweeted. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds had been scheduled to play shows at Moscow’s Bol Festival and Kyiv’s Palace of Sports.
Iggy Pop, Franz Ferdinand, HEALTH, Green Day, and Russian rapper Oxxxymiron are among those to have canceled Russian shows in recent days. The Killers also pulled out of Moscow’s Park Live festival, according to TMZ. The Blessed Madonna, Hot Chip, Róisín Murphy, and more will play a fundraiser for Ukraine in London on March 11.
In their statement, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds added: “Ukraine, we stand with you, and with all those in Russia who oppose this brutal act, and we pray that this madness is brought to a close soon.”
Franz Ferdinand wrote:
We love Russia. This great country has inspired our band through its art and literature and since we first played there seventeen years ago, we have built a rich and deep relationship with our Russian fans. Since Thursday morning, we have spoken to many of our friends in Russia via social media and have encountered unanimous opposition to this violence and solidarity with our Ukrainian friends. We know you see the madness of your country’s leadership. We know you do not want war. We do not want war. Despite the tragedy of this situation, we still burn a flame of optimism in our hearts and look forward to the day when we can return in a time of peace to share the joy of music together again.
