Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, is set to perform two concerts at St Petersburg’s 70,000-capacity Gazprom Arena in October, marking his most significant return to Russia since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Tickets for both shows reportedly sold out within hours of going on sale on Monday, with prices ranging from 9,000 roubles (£78) to 160,000 roubles (£1,394).
The concerts come as West attempts to rebuild his career after years of controversy surrounding antisemitic and pro-Nazi statements.
The rapper apologised for his remarks in January, attributing his behaviour to a brain injury and bipolar disorder. He said he was “deeply sorry” for his actions and rejected descriptions of himself as a Nazi or antisemite.
However, his return to the international stage has faced major setbacks.
Several dates on his European tour this summer were cancelled following renewed criticism of his views. In the UK, his planned appearance at the Wireless Festival was cancelled after he was denied entry to the country.
The UK Home Office said his presence would not be “conducive to the public good”.
Shows in France, Poland, Italy and the Czech Republic were also cancelled, although performances in Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Turkey and Albania went ahead.
His Madrid concert earlier this month drew a large international audience. Spain’s national broadcaster reported that up to 60% of attendees were foreigners who had been unable to see the rapper perform in their home countries.
Some European critics have also praised West’s performances, particularly their elaborate production and stage design.
West’s Russia return
West’s upcoming shows are notable because major Western music acts have largely stayed away from Russia since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Before the invasion, Russia regularly hosted international stars including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lana Del Rey, Muse and System of a Down.
Many international record labels and entertainment companies subsequently suspended operations in Russia, sharply reducing the number of Western artists performing there.
A handful of international acts, including Tyga, DaBaby, Akon and Lil Pump, have continued to perform in the country. Jason Derulo also performed in St Petersburg and Moscow last year.
West has previously been linked to plans to perform in Russia. He visited the country in 2024 to attend the birthday celebrations of Russian fashion designer Gosha Rubchinskiy, with whom he has collaborated.
His decision to perform in Russia has not attracted universal support there.
Conservative Russian lawmaker Vitaly Milonov suggested that West should perform traditional Russian songs instead of his planned material.
West’s relationship with Russia has also drawn attention because of his controversial political statements and his past support for former US President Donald Trump.
Controversy continues to follow Ye
West’s career has been heavily affected by his comments about Jewish people.
His antisemitic remarks, which began in 2022, led to social media suspensions and the loss of major commercial partnerships. Adidas and Balenciaga were among the companies that severed ties with him.
He later released a song titled “Heil Hitler” and sold merchandise featuring a swastika.
In January, West published a full-page advertisement in The Wall Street Journal apologising for his behaviour.
He described his previous conduct as a period of manic, paranoid and impulsive behaviour and said he was “deeply mortified” by his actions.
Some critics, however, questioned the timing of the apology because it coincided with promotion for his album Bully and the launch of his latest tour.
