St. Petersburg International Economic Forum drops performance by popular rock band following complaint about lead singer’s anti-war views

The Russian rock band “Zveri” won’t be performing a planned concert during the upcoming St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, following a complaint against the group’s lead singer, Roman Bilyk, about his anti-war statements and refusal to perform in annexed Crimea. The news outlet Astra reports that Moscow State Art and Cultural University Journalism Department dean Yuri Kot wrote on his blog in early June that Bilyk belongs to a “fifth column” of traitors. Afterward, a local lawmaker made an official request to the district attorney’s office, demanding the cancelation of Zveri’s concert planned for June 16.

• Born in Russia, Bilyk lived in Mariupol for several years and also spent time in Kyiv. His father is Ukrainian. On multiple occasions, the rock band Zveri has spoken out against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. At the time of this writing, representatives of the group haven’t commented publicly on the concert’s cancelation.