Indie-pop trio AJR cancels Russian tour to protest against Ukraine invasion

Multiplatinum indie-pop trio AJR has cancelled their upcoming concert date in Russia, scheduled for October after the country struck Ukraine.

"We are sad to announce that we will be cancelling our upcoming show in Russia," the band wrote on social media.

"Thank you to our Russian fans who oppose their country's unprovoked and criminal behavior. Our hearts are with the people of Ukraine. At this point, the best thing you can do is share ACCURATE info."

They're hardly the only major Western act with tour dates scheduled in the country. While the status of many tours is unclear given the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, dozens of artists are scheduled to perform in Russia in the coming weeks, and especially in the summer, reports variety.com.

According to artist websites, Songkick and other sources, in Moscow alone, Saint Jhn, Tricky, Disclosure and Bring Me the Horizon have shows scheduled for March and April, with Khalid, OneRepublic, Yungblud, Girl in Red, Judas Priest, Denzel Curry, OneRepublic and a Green Day concert at Spartak Stadium slated for May.

Those are just a preamble for what was looking to be a very busy summer concert season, including the alt-rock-leaning Bol festival and two Park Live festivals along with summer dates by Iron Maiden, Deep Purple, Imagine Dragons, Bjork, Eric Clapton and others.

Geoff Meall, a London-based agent for Paradigm Agency, tells Variety: "We've got (multiple) of acts due to be going there from next month right through the summer -- rock acts, alternative acts, a lot of electronic artists as well. As it stands, I can't see any of those shows being able to happen."