A Look at Why These 7 Artists & Bands Were Cancelled from Performing in Malaysia

Malaysia has had its fair share of cancelled concerts over the years, turning what were supposed to be nights of music and celebration into moments of shock and debate. 

While fans eagerly await their favourite stars, not every show goes according to plan. In some instances, controversial on-stage actions or issues surrounding the artists themselves have led to performances being called off, or even bans from returning.

Let’s take a look at some of the celebrities whose concerts in Malaysia were halted amid controversy.

1. The 1975

Image Credit: Deezer

Perhaps one of the most well-known cases of concert cancellations, British pop-rock band The 1975 was blacklisted from performing in Malaysia after an incident on stage during the first day of the Good Vibes Festival in 2023.

During the band’s headline performance, singer Matty Healy reportedly delivered a profanity-laden speech before kissing fellow band member Ross MacDonald on stage. As a result, the band’s set was cut short, and the three-day music festival was cancelled the following day.

The 1975 later faced multiple lawsuits from the concert’s organisers for breach of contract and damages. Several musicians and vendors also sued the band, citing loss of earnings due to the cancellation of the festival’s second and third days.

2. Kesha

Image Credit: Rolling Stone

In 2013, American pop star Kesha — known for hits like Tik Tok and Blow — found herself banned from performing in Malaysia just a day before her scheduled concert in KL.

According to reports, concert organiser Livescape said they had received a letter from the authorities imposing the ban despite Kesha agreeing to modify her show to suit Malaysian cultural sensitivities. The cancellation was said to have resulted in losses amounting to RM1.1 million.

It is understood that the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia rejected the concert application because it "touched on religious sensitivities and cultural values of Malaysians."

Kesha later took to  X to clarify that she did not pull out of the show at the last minute.

Image Credit: X

3. Lamb of God

Image Credit: YouTube Music

In September 2013, American heavy metal band Lamb of God was scheduled to perform at a concert hall in KL. However, the Communications and Multimedia Ministry cancelled the concert, stating that the band’s performances were deemed to infringe on religious sensitivities and cultural values.

According to The Guardian, one of the reasons for the cancellation was accusations that the band had incorporated excerpts from the Qur’an into their music. Meanwhile, the concert organisers ultimately pulled the plug themselves after the band began receiving death threats.

At the time of cancellation, more than 1,500 tickets had reportedly been sold. The Grammy-nominated band then went on to perform in other countries including New Zealand, Australia, and Thailand.

4. Erykah Badu

Image Credit: People.com

Widely regarded as the “Queen of Neo-Soul,” acclaimed American singer-songwriter Erykah Badu included Malaysia as part of her Asian tour in 2012.

However, her concert was cancelled after publicity photos surfaced showing her with temporary tattoos bearing the word “Allah” on her body. The Minister of Communications at the time deemed the body art “an insult to Islam and a very serious offence.”

5. Megadeth

Image Credit: Spotify

As part of their world tour, American thrash-metal band Megadeth was slated to perform in Kuala Lumpur in 2001. Their concert, however, was cancelled, and the band was subsequently banned from performing in Malaysia.

Reports stated that the cancellation and ban were due to the group’s imagery and music. Additionally, Megadeth CDs and tapes were pulled from store shelves, and their label was barred from shipping albums into the country after authorities deemed their imagery unsuitable.

However, in 2017, Megadeth was finally allowed to perform in Malaysia.

6. The Pussycat Dolls

Image Credit: Rolling Stone

While their concert was not officially banned or cancelled, American girl group The Pussycat Dolls stirred controversy following their 2006 performance in Malaysia.

Organisers of the Sunway Lagoon concert were fined RM10,000 for allowing the group to perform “sexually suggestive” routines. The fine was later reduced by 50% for prompt payment.

7. Kreator

Image Credit: Louder Sound

Kreator, a German thrash metal band formed in 1982, was set to perform live in KL in 2013. However, just before going on stage, they were informed that the concert had been cancelled.

According to Malay Mail, concert organisers claimed the show was forced to cancel due to interference from a religious enforcement department, despite having the necessary documentation.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), however, later stated that the cancellation was due to an expired venue licence:

“The operator is still in the process of renewing the licences. Over the period of the renewal process, no activities are allowed.”

Featured Image Credit: LA Times, Radio Times