Kanye West has managed to cause a stir in Russia before even setting foot in St. Petersburg, where he is set to perform two concerts on October 10 and 11. The upcoming appearance of the American rapper has generated intense interest — and significant controversy — as he is among the most prominent international artists to perform in the country since the start of the war in Ukraine.
Kanye West: The question put to the Kremlin about a possible meeting with Putin
The matter made its way into the Kremlin’s daily press briefing, when a journalist asked presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov whether Vladimir Putin was planning to meet with Kanye West during his visit to Russia.
“Well, come on, that’s not within our remit,” the spokesperson replied. “This is the presidential administration, not a music concert.”
The two scheduled performances carry added weight given the current international climate. Since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the vast majority of major Western artists have steered clear of the country. At the same time, West has found himself at the center of intense backlash over his antisemitic views and past statements, with several European venues having refused to host his concerts.
Over 100,000 tickets sold for the two concerts
Despite the controversy, public interest in Russia has been enormous. According to organizers, more than 100,000 tickets have already been sold for the two concerts at Gazprom Arena, with certain ticket categories already sold out. Available ticket prices range from 23,000 rubles — approximately €236 — up to 50,000 rubles, or around €513.
The rapper’s arrival has also become a major talking point across Russian media and social networks. Dozens of articles have covered the concerts, ranging from speculation about potential guest appearances on stage to warnings about counterfeit tickets reportedly circulating on the market.
Travel demand to St. Petersburg “explodes”
The buzz has already made its mark on travel trends. According to Ria Novosti, citing data from travel service Tutu, demand for train tickets to St. Petersburg surged 41-fold, while hotel room searches increased 16-fold.
Meanwhile, West’s presence has also divided Russian politicians. Some lawmakers welcomed his decision to perform in the country, with one MP thanking him for not giving in to what she called “anti-Russian hysteria.” Others have been far more cautious. Lawmaker Nikolai Novichkov called for a review of the American rapper’s past statements praising Hitler.
What began as two high-profile music events has thus evolved into a matter with significant political and social dimensions — reaching all the way to the Kremlin and generating unprecedented excitement across St. Petersburg.
