'Americans Won't Care': Canadian Singer Ridiculed After Cancelling US Shows Over 'Disdain for US Politics'

A Canadian singer has stirred controversy by cancelling his US tour dates, citing a strong disdain for US politics.

Canadian rock musician Matthew Good faced online criticism after he cancelled several upcoming performances in the United States. He attributed this decision to his protest against the Trump administration's policies.

A Musician's Protest

The 54-year-old musician, originally from Burnaby, British Columbia, shared his decision to alter his tour itinerary for cities like Buffalo, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh in a Facebook post on Friday.

The musician, known for hit songs like 'Decades' and 'Hello Time Bomb', stated, 'To my US fans, and friends... I've come to the personal decision that I can't, in good conscience, carry out my dates this summer in your country.'

Good added: 'This is not fair to you, and I'm very well aware of that, but the truth is, every week that goes by, I have a deeper disdain for what's going on there politically.'

Good clarified that he couldn't perform in the US again until significant political shifts occurred, particularly concerning Trump's tariffs and other policies. He expressed his willingness to jeopardise his 'future US career to stand up against things today.'

Over the past six months, since beginning his second term, President Trump has caused friction with Canada and its citizens on various matters, notably his repeated suggestions of Canada becoming the 51st state.'

Tour Cancellation Sparks Debate

Many users on the platform X criticised Good's decision. One user suggested his political rationale was 'likely an excuse due to lack of interest,' while another humorously commented, 'Those poor Americans. How will they ever get over this one?' adding a broken heart emoji.

One X user commented that Good's action was 'only hurting himself and the people who work for the band financially,' adding that 'Americans won't notice one way or the other.' Another user remarked, 'One was a 400-seat brew pub. His date was sandwiched between trivia night and a cover band. He wasn't doing a Las Vegas residency.'

Good's Political Rationale

Good announced on the social media platform that his decision to cancel the shows was influenced by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's choice to withdraw a digital services tax on the US, a move made to 'appease' President Trump.

'This was approximately 2 billion dollars in revenue that has been accumulating, and we're walking away from that,' Good said.

Good elaborated on the social media site that the current political climate heavily influenced the decision to cancel his shows.

He cited '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 continued, stating he would be 'biting my tongue, and losing what credibility I had to stand up and say something' in such a scenario. He concluded that these circumstances made it clear he needed to take a stand.

Solidarity and Support

Good also mentioned it would be 'unfair' to encourage 'other artists to join' his political protest. He stated that for the foreseeable future, he intended to base his musical career primarily in his home country, Canada.

Good suggested that his fans redirect their support to the band Texas King, stating that the group 'might suffer more out of this,' from a business perspective. He encouraged, 'So as a favour, we encourage you to get out and support them wherever you can!'

Setting a Precedent?

Good, who called off his tour dates to protest against President Trump's policies, affirmed that he has always maintained a focus on 'political awareness.' He clarified, 'I know that you might not all be on the same side, so I want to be clear about this. It's MY opinion.'

Good's decision aligns with other Canadian musicians who have also opted not to perform in the US due to uncertainties surrounding safety and immigration policies. Notably, transgender musical artists Bells Larsen and T Thomason have both publicly announced their refusal to play in the US during the Trump administration's tenure.