Ye’s Istanbul Crowd Record Amid Italy Concert Ban
Italian authorities have cancelled planned concerts by American rappers Kanye West, known as Ye, and Travis Scott in the northern city of Reggio Emilia, citing public safety and security concerns.
The performances were scheduled at the 103,000-capacity RCF Arena as part of the Pulse of Gaia Festival, with Travis Scott set to perform on 17 July and Ye scheduled to take the stage the following day. However, local prefect Salvatore Angieri ordered the cancellations after officials raised concerns about crowd management and the potential for public unrest.
Authorities said the decision followed appeals from a consumer group and members of the Jewish community in Modena and Reggio Emilia, who expressed concerns over Ye’s appearance due to his history of antisemitic remarks. Officials also pointed to the close timing of the two concerts and the large number of spectators expected within a 24-hour period.
The cancellation comes despite Ye continuing to draw massive audiences worldwide. Most recently, the rapper performed in Istanbul before a crowd reported at 118,000 people, a turnout widely described as one of the largest stadium concert attendances in recent music history and a reflection of his enduring global appeal.
Italian officials cited the possibility of protests and referred to the cancellation of other Ye performances across Europe as part of their security assessment. The rapper has faced growing controversy and concert disruptions in recent years linked to his public statements.
Travis Scott’s performance was also affected by safety concerns. The rapper has remained under scrutiny over crowd control issues following the 2021 Astroworld festival tragedy in Houston, where a crowd crush left 10 people dead and hundreds injured.
Earlier this year, Ye was also prevented from performing in the UK, leading to the cancellation of the Wireless Festival after authorities ruled that his presence would not be in the public interest. In response, the rapper offered to meet with members of the British Jewish community.
Festival organisers, Ye and Travis Scott have not yet publicly commented on the Italian cancellations.
