US band Green Day have cancelled their show at Moscow's Spartak Stadium this May in protest at Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The trio were scheduled to play the 45,000 capacity venue in the Russian capital on May 29 before they kick off their Hella Mega Tour in Europe but have said that "this moment is not about stadium rock shows, it's much bigger than that".
In a statement released on Instagram stories, they said, "With heavy hearts, in light of current events we feel it is necessary to cancel our upcoming show in Moscow at Spartak Stadium.
"We are aware that this moment is not about stadium rock shows, it’s much bigger than that. But we also know that rock and roll is forever, and we feel confident there will be a time and a place for us to return in the future.
"Refunds available at the point of purchase. Stay safe."
Dublin band Inhaler have also cancelled their dates in Moscow, Kyiv and Vilnius.
In a tweet on Monday night they said, "We are sorry we have to cancel our tour of Moscow, Kyiv and Vilnius. Our hearts go out to the people of Ukraine, Russia and Lithuania. Wishing for Peace. Inhaler."
We are sorry we have to cancel our tour of Moscow, Kyiv and Vilnius. Our hearts go out to the people of Ukraine, Russia and Lithuania.
— Inhaler (@InhalerDublin) February 28, 2022
Wishing for Peace.
Inhaler
The cancellations follow news that Russia has been banned from this year's Eurovision Song Contest.
"In light of the unprecedented crisis in Ukraine, the inclusion of a Russian entry in this year's Contest would bring the competition into disrepute," the European Broadcasting Union said in a statement last week.
The call to exclude Russia from this year's event in Italy was "based on the rules of the event and the values of the EBU".
In addition, Russia residents will also be blocked from voting in the competition.
"They are completely excluded from the whole event," an EBU spokesman said.
