Russian fans who bought tickets for an upcoming concert by American rapper Kanye West in Saint Petersburg have been advised to contact law enforcement authorities to seek refunds if the show fails to take place.
Lawyer Andrey Aleshkin recommended that ticket holders file a formal report with police to prompt an investigation into the event organizers, according to Russian news outlet Aif.ru.
Aleshkin said there are grounds to suspect the concert organizers of bad faith. He pointed to clauses in the ticket purchase agreement that allow organizers to change the venue, swap the performing artist, or alter any other term of the event at will.
Concerns over the legitimacy of the concert grew after representatives for the Gazprom Arena in Saint Petersburg stated that the venue has not confirmed any intention or agreement to host the event.
Gazprom Arena, located on Krestovsky Island in Saint Petersburg, is one of Russia's largest sports and entertainment venues, with a seating capacity of more than 60,000 people. Aif.ru, or Argumenty i Fakty, is a major Russian news publication based in Moscow.
Organizers urge fans to remain patient
Event organizer Say Agency had previously urged Kanye West fans not to panic and asked ticket buyers to remain patient. The agency stated that the concerts have not been officially cancelled and said its team is working to ensure the show takes place.
Despite raising concerns over the terms of the ticket contracts and the lack of venue confirmation, Aleshkin noted that the possibility remains that the concert could still go ahead.
Kanye West, who legally changed his name to Ye, is an American rapper, record producer, and fashion designer known for critically acclaimed albums such as The College Dropout and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Ticket sales for potential performances by major foreign artists routinely draw widespread public attention in Russia.
