Russia’s major tour promotion agencies have started to introduce contract clauses restricting artists from making political statements during live performances, RBC cites its sources within the country’s music industry.
The new contracts state that artists are “obliged to avoid making any political statements while performing” and are not allowed to “spread fake information regarding Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine, including by sonic and visual means.” It is also prohibited to demonstrate Ukraine’s state symbols such as the country’s national flag or coat of arms.
Violating the clause will oblige the artist to compensate for the expenses of the event and pay a fine of 500,000 rubles (€8,500).
Eduard Ratnikov, head of TCI, a tour promotion agency, has confirmed this. “A fine amount is set to be no less than the artist’s wage,” he said.
Boris Grebenshchikov, the leader of Aquarium, Russia’s cult rock band, condemned the Ukraine War several times. His radio programme was taken off the air in early June because of his anti-war stance. Yury Shevchuk, head of the DDT band, was slapped with a fine by the police after he spoke up against the Ukraine War during the band’s concert.
