Muse Postpones Istanbul Concert Amid Controversy Over Promoter’s Comments

British rock band Muse has postponed their Istanbul concert to 2026 following backlash against their event’s promoter, Abdulkadir Ozkan. Ozkan had previously made statements condemning anti-government protests, sparking a call for boycotts from fans and local artists. The controversy is tied to recent political unrest in Turkey, where protests erupted after the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on corruption charges, widely viewed as politically motivated. Nearly 2,000 protesters, mostly students, have been detained since March 19.

Singer Gaye Su Akyol and other artists urged Muse, Robbie Williams, and Ane Brun to reconsider performing in Turkey due to their promoter’s political stance. As public pressure grew, Ozkan announced his company was withdrawing from the concerts, and Muse subsequently postponed their show to ensure the promoter was no longer involved. Ane Brun canceled her concert entirely, while Robbie Williams’ show remains scheduled.

The controversy is part of a broader movement calling for boycotts of government-aligned businesses, a stance the Turkish government has criticized as harmful to economic stability. Meanwhile, some companies have withdrawn from events in response to the protests, reflecting ongoing political tensions in the country.