Rachel Chinouriri cancels US dates over costs

Rachel Chinouriri has cancelled her upcoming dates in the US as “the financial strain on touring has become too much”.

In April, US visa petition fees increased by as much as 260% for international musicians hoping to perform in the country.

Artists including Chemical Brothers, Little Simz, Santigold, Metronomy, Easy Life and Roger Daltrey have previously raised concerns about the cost of touring – particularly in the States – with some axing entire tours.

Chinouriri was due to support Remi Wolf on the US leg of her Big Ideas tour, which kicks off on 10 September, and perform at several festivals.

In a statement, the English singer-songwriter said she was “deeply saddened” to axe the upcoming dates.

“This year I’ve invested all my savings and earnings into my shows, styling, and band to be able to tour,” she wrote. “While my debut album has opened many amazing opportunities, the financial strain on touring has become too much.”

Earlier this year, Chinouriri released her debut album What A Devastating Turn of Events, which was followed by performances at Radio 1’s Big Weekend and Glastonbury.

“I was so excited to come to the States. However, I cannot justify the financial risk it would entail”

“Despite my best efforts to secure funding for this incredible opportunity, it hasn’t been possible,” she continued. “This is the tough reality of the music industry, whether you’re signed or independent.

“I’ve explored every possible option to make this work because I adore Remi and her fanbase, and I was so excited to come to the States. However, I cannot justify the financial risk it would entail.”

Chinouriri, who will be replaced by Slimdan on Remi Wolf’s US outing, told her American fans she’d be back as soon as possible.

It’s unclear which festival slots the CAA-repped singer is pulling out of, although she confirmed to a fan online that the planned appearances at Rock En Seine and Reading & Leeds will be going ahead.

The 25-year-old will kick off her six-date UK headline tour in November and is locked in for a handful of support slots on Sabrina Carpenter’s UK tour in March 2025.

Following the changes to US visa applications in April, The Music Managers Forum (MMF) and Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) stepped up their #LetTheMusicMove campaign.

#LetTheMusicMove was originally established in June 2021 to campaign for reductions in post-Brexit costs and red tape for UK artists and musicians when touring in Europe.

Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.

Read More Like This

News|02 May 2024

Aussie festival cancels after costs rocket 529%

NSW's Return to Rio has joined events such as Splendour in the Grass, Groovin the Moo and Falls in taking a break in 2024

News|01 Jul 2024

Pearl Jam cancel tour dates due to illness

Neil Young & Crazy Horse have also cancelled upcoming tour dates

News|02 Aug 2024

PinkPantheress, Garbage cancel all 2024 dates

The English singer-songwriter-producer and the 90s rock band have blamed varying health issues for the cancellations

News|21 Mar 2024

Glastonbury costs revealed in new economic report

Last year's festival cost £62 million to stage, according to its newly published Economic Impact Summary 2023

News|13 Jul 2024

Pohoda cancels after 29 injured in extreme weather

The 30,000-cap festival in Slovakia was brought to an end a day early after one of its large tents collapsed due to severe weather