Kanye West announces Russia concerts despite backlash over controversial past

Kanye West will perform at Gazprom Arena on October 10 and 11 after tickets quickly sold across price tiers

Kanye West, who now also performs under the name Ye, is set to perform two concerts in St Petersburg, Russia, in October, marking a significant return to the country amid continued controversy surrounding his public statements and career.

According to The Guardian, the rapper will take the stage at Gazprom Arena on October 10 and October 11. The concerts are expected to make West the most prominent western music act to perform in Russia since the country's full scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.

The announcement has already generated strong interest among Russian fans. Tickets went on sale after the concerts were confirmed, with the most expensive options reportedly selling rapidly. Some tickets were priced at approximately $1,850, while the least expensive tickets cost around $105.

West's planned appearance comes after years of controversy surrounding his public conduct. He has faced widespread condemnation for antisemitic remarks and his public use of Nazi imagery. His controversies have affected his ability to secure performances in several international markets.

In January 2026, West published a full page advertisement in The Wall Street Journal in which he apologised for his antisemitic behaviour. He also rejected the description of himself as a Nazi or antisemite and expressed his support for Jewish people.

Despite that statement, his professional difficulties have continued. Concert plans involving West in the UK, France and Italy have faced cancellations or opposition during 2026. His proposed appearance at the Wireless Festival in the UK was cancelled after British authorities prevented him from entering the country, while his planned concert in Italy was also cancelled over public order and safety concerns.

Russia has presented a different environment for the rapper. West has previously visited Moscow, travelling there in 2024 for the birthday celebrations of Russian fashion designer Gosha Rubchinskiy, who has collaborated with him.

His upcoming St Petersburg concerts could still face criticism inside Russia. Russian politician Nikolay Novichkov has called for an investigation into West's previous remarks about Adolf Hitler and has argued that the concerts should be cancelled unless the rapper publicly expresses support for Russia and its military operation in Ukraine.

The concerts could also carry political significance beyond the music itself. Western cultural figures have become less common in Russia since the invasion of Ukraine, with sanctions and cultural boycotts limiting the presence of international entertainment brands and performers.

Several western artists have continued performing in Russia, including Lil Pump, Flo Rida and Jason Derulo. However, West's international profile and the controversies surrounding him give his upcoming shows particular attention.

The Russian concerts follow a period in which West has continued to perform internationally. He recently drew large crowds in Istanbul and Tbilisi and also performed a sold out concert in Almaty, Kazakhstan.