Former Migos rapper Offset announces Russia gig

Former Migos rapper Offset has become arguably the highest-profile act to announce a gig in Russia since the country’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago.

The 33-year-old American revealed to his 25 million Instagram followers that he is set to play the 11,000-cap MTS Live Hall on 18 April, with support from Russian hip-hop artist Toxi$. Tickets are priced between 5,200 and 45,000 rubles (€54-465).

Offset’s announcement comes days after it was reported that the White House is drawing up a plan to potentially give sanctions relief to Russia.

Russia has largely been boycotted by foreign acts in the wake of the February 2022 invasion, while touring giants including Live Nation and Oak View Group pledged not to do business with the country amid widespread outrage over its actions. Other music companies such as Universal Music Group – parent firm of Offset’s record label Motown Records – also suspended operations in the country.

However, IQ reported last summer that more than 100 international DJs and artists had quietly returned to playing concerts in Russia.

Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts plan to launch their upcoming European tour with a free concert in Ukraine

Russian festivals identified as having Western acts on their lineups included Outline, Gamma, Mutabor, Afisha Picnic and Gazgolder Club, while two dance music events allegedly stopped announcing international headliner names until the day of the event to try and prevent them from being cancelled due to negative publicity.

American rapper DaBaby also played a show at VK Stadium in Moscow last week.

Meanwhile, Canadian-American rocker Neil Young said this week that he plans to launch his 2025 European Love Earth Tour with a free concert in Ukraine.

“Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts will open the upcoming Love Earth Tour of Europe in UKRAINE with a free concert for all,” the 79-year-old wrote on his Neil Young Archives (NYA) website. “We are currently in talks and will make the announcement of details here at NYA. Keep on Rockin’ in the FREE WORLD.”

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