“Fontanka”: the authorities of St. Petersburg did not receive applications for approval of the concert West

The Committee on culture of the government of St. Petersburg has not received applications for approval of the concert of American rapper Kanye West. This response of Deputy Minister Stanislav Moldovanov came to the complaint of one of the citizens who bought tickets for the concert, writes “Fontanka”.

As Mr. Moldovanov stressed in the letter, Gazprom Arena pointed out the absence of a lease agreement with the organizer, which is necessary for the event. The official added that by law, the owner of the object where the concert will be held must agree with the culture committee.

Such rules, as Stanislav Moldovanov pointed out, have been in effect since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. "The committee does not have information on the formation of the application in accordance with the procedure," he stressed. According to Fontanka, 132 people who filed a complaint received a similar response.

On August 17, Say Agency announced Kanye West’s concerts at Gazprom Arena. A week later, the site announced the absence of a lease agreement, which is why the event will not take place. Tickets could be purchased on the stadium website. The organizer claims that he paid the artist an advance, and his performances in Russia were not canceled. The team of the musician considered the possibility of transferring the concert to Moscow. Rospotrebnadzor issued a warning to Say Agency for refusing to return money for tickets. Some buyers have taken the matter to court.