Award-winning Canadian musician Matthew Good has canceled several planned U.S. tour dates, including a performance in Buffalo, New York, due to rising political concerns.
The 54-year-old singer-songwriter, known for hits like “Apparitions,” “Weapon,” and “Load Me Up,” decided to pull out of his summer shows in the U.S., citing discomfort with the current political environment and recent cross-border tensions.
Good was set to perform at the Town Ballroom in Buffalo on July 17, as well as in Cleveland and Pittsburgh.
In a message to fans, he said he could no longer continue touring in the U.S. under the current political climate.
He noted that while canceling the shows would disappoint fans, he believed stepping away was the right thing to do.
One of the main reasons behind his decision was Canada’s recent withdrawal of its digital services tax, which would have collected approximately $2 billion from U.S. tech giants.
Good criticized the move, saying it was done under pressure from the U.S. government.
The tax, which had retroactive application from 2022, was dropped during trade talks after threats of increased tariffs from former President Donald Trump, who recently suggested Canada should become America’s 51st state.
Good also raised concerns about the increasing cost of U.S. visas for artists and the unpredictability of being granted entry, even after approval.
He expressed frustration about feeling unable to speak freely without fear of professional backlash or travel issues.
Although he admitted his cancellation might not make a large impact overall, Good stated he could not remain silent while Canada faces pressure from its southern neighbor.
The Town Ballroom has confirmed that all tickets will be refunded automatically.
Matthew Good rose to fame in the 1990s as the frontman of the Matthew Good Band before launching a solo career in 2002.
He has won four Juno Awards and continues to be a well-known voice in Canadian rock music.