Nick Cave has canceled his planned summer tour dates in Russia and Ukraine, sharing words of support for the invaded nation.
“Our thoughts and love go to the brave people of Ukraine, their heroic leader, and all those suffering from this senseless war,” reads a statement from the artist and his backing group, the Bad Seeds. “Ukraine, we stand with you, and with all those in Russia who oppose this brutal act. And we pray that this madness is brought to a close soon.”
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds previously announced a June date in Moscow and one in Ukraine in August. As of right now, the band’s planned concerts in countries that border western Ukraine, such as Slovakia and Poland, are still on.
In recent days, Green Day and Louis Tomlinson have canceled gigs in Russia and Ukraine. “The safety of my fans is my priority and my thoughts go out to the people of Ukraine and all those suffering from this needless war,” Tomlinson wrote in a tweet.
Several other artists have also spoken out against the war. Former Pink Floyd frontman David Gilmour pleaded with Russian soldiers to “stop killing your brothers,” adding that “Putin must go.” Stevie Nicks likened the Russian president to Hitler. Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider backed Ukrainians using “We’re Not Gonna Take It.” And Pussy Riot’s Nadya Tolokonnikova called Putin a “dangerous dictator who must be stopped.” The former also launched a crypto fundraiser that collected nearly $3 million in less than 24 hours for Ukrainians.
London four piece Keo are on course to land their first UK Number 1 album with Put A Smile On For Me. After building a loyal audience over the past two years, the London band now lead this week’s Official Albums Chart update. Their debut record explores love, guilt, and self destruction.
Nothing But Thieves are close behind at Number 2 with their fifth album, Stray Dogs. The Southend band are hoping for a second straight Number 1 after Dead Club City reached the top in 2023. Taylor Swift is at Number 3 with The Life Of A Showgirl, helped by the expanded The Encore edition. Olivia Rodrigo’s You Seem Pretty Sad For A Girl So In sits at Number 4, while Soft Cell’s Danceteria opens at Number 5. It is the synth pop duo’s final album together following Dave Ball’s death last year.
Europe could reach Number 9 with Come This Madness, giving the Swedish rock band its first UK Top 10 album in four decades. A 30th anniversary reissue of Alice In Chains’ MTV Unplugged is at Number 13 in the midweek update, with Orbital’s Glastonbury 1994 set at Number 14. Julia Jacklin is heading for her first Top 40 album as The Gem reaches Number 18, while Suede’s Coming Up returns at Number 23 after its 30th anniversary physical release.
Also on track for Top 40 places are Nessa Barrett’s Tough Love at Number 29, the companion soundtrack to LINKIN PARK: UNSHATTER at Number 30, and Dublin band Gurriers’ Nobody’s Coming To Save You at Number 31. Blondshell, Kneecap, Tina Turner, and Leon Bridges also appear in the lower half of the midweek chart.
The official positions will be announced when the final Albums Chart is published on Friday.
