Muse Cancel Istanbul Show Amid Boycott Calls Targeting Concert Promoter

English rock band Muse have canceled their performance in Istanbul following protests demanding a boycott of the concert organizer.

Massive demonstrations against the government started last month following the imprisonment of the Turkish The city's mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, who is the primary rival to the President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan on March 19 due to allegations of corruption – which he refutes.

Supporters of Imamoglu along with those opposing him Republican The People’s Party urged a boycott of firms backing the government, such as DBL Entertainment, which was set to host Muse's concert.

This follows comments from DBL Entertainment promoter Abdulkadir Ozkan, who described the protesters' actions as "treason".

Mr Ozkan subsequently posted on X stating that his comments were misconstrued and expressed regret over any confusion caused.

Muse declared via an Instagram post that they would delay their concert, stating: "Following thorough deliberation and taking into account the input from our supporters while acknowledging their worries with complete respect, our performance in Istanbul has been rescheduled for 2026. This decision ensures that DBL Entertainment will have no part in the event."

Thanks for your continued backing; we couldn't do this without you. Join us again in 2026!

It follows shortly after the announcement that the band will perform at Festival Park Yenikapi in Istanbul on June 11.

The tickets were set to become available for purchase on April 3rd, however, the band revealed via their Instagram account on Wednesday that they had decided against proceeding with the show. They opted instead to reschedule the event to 2026 under a new concert organizer.

Requests for boycotting firms like DBL emerged after Mr Ozkan tweeted in reaction to the demonstrators: "Straightforwardly, this is an act of enmity against the capital. Treason."

He subsequently posted another statement on the platform clarifying that his remarks were not aimed at "the constitutional right to protest" and expressing that he "profoundly regrets" causing any confusion.

British artist Robbie Williams and Norwegian performer Ane Brun, whose gigs were arranged by DBL Entertainment, were urged to call off their performances by supporters, including Turkish vocalist Gaye Su Akyol. She personally reached out to the musicians via X with her request.

In the posting, Akyol stated: "Dear Muse, Robbie Williams, Ane Brun, I have admired your work for years and understand the significant impact you've had on so many people."

“However, neither myself nor anyone else will be attending your Istanbul concerts as the organiser is on the pro-democracy movement’s boycott list, just so you know.”

“Solidarity matters.”

Brun declared on April 1st that her performance in the capital wouldn’t take place, posting on X: "I've made the decision against performing in Istanbul this October. I was really anticipating playing for you all, but regrettably, now isn't the appropriate moment. My hope is to perform for you at the earliest opportunity. I am with you. With Peace and Love."

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