Canadian rock star cancels U.S. shows in protest as tariff war continues
The “Apparitions” singer highlighted the Government of Canada rescinding the digital services tax with the United States as one of the ways that he and other Canadian artists are impacted by the trade war.
“After a year of an imposed digital services tax, we (Canada) are backing down from that to appease Mr. Trump’s government. This was approximately $2 billion in revenue that has been accumulating, and we’re walking away from that.
“Add to that the massive increase in visa costs, the fear mongering that even after we have our visas we may still be denied entry if we have something negative to say about the current GOP, and I end up in a situation where I’m biting my tongue and losing what credibility I had to stand up and say something.”
Good, who was born in Burnaby, B.C., added that while cancelling his U.S. concerts and the thousands of tickets sold would hurt, doing nothing was not an option.
“I can’t stand by and be quiet while our amazing country is bullied into walking away from billions in needed revenue, constantly left wondering if we actually have a partner or an enemy to the south, and equally as tragic, supporting someone who has completely bastardized the institution of art and culture in the U.S.”
Matthew Good
Good is not alone, as many Canadians are currently electing to avoid travel to the United States.
A recent study also shows that B.C. residents aren’t giving up their hard-earned Canadian dollars in Washington state as cross-border travel down south continues to plummet.
Many fans on social media applauded the move by the alt-rocker, stating that they understand his position and hope that more artists follow his example.
“I hope you are among the first of what turns into all kinds of artists refusing to play or perform in that country,” said one person. “Well done on your decision. It is absolutely the right one and you’ve just further increased my already big appreciation of you and your music.”
“I have nothing but respect for you as an artist, but even more as a man of principle,” added another. “I am an American, but I hate what this administration is doing to our relationships with our closest friends.”
“As probably your biggest fan in the U.S., I fully support your decision,” stated another fan.
While the former lead singer of the Matthew Good Band may not be performing in the United States in the near future, the 21-time Juno nominee invited his American fans to come and rock out north of the border.
“I have built a career here in Canada that I’m proud of, and will double down here over the next three years. [I] invite my U.S. fans to any show they want to here,” said Good.
Do you agree with Good’s decision to cancel his U.S. shows during the ongoing tariff tensions? Are you cancelling travel plans to America yourself? Let us know in the comments or by emailing trending@dailyhive.com.