Muse Postpones Istanbul Concert Amid Boycott and Protests Against Turkish Government Policies
April 2, 2025
Fans have shown strong support for Muse's decision, demonstrating solidarity with the protests in Turkey.
Despite the postponement, some fans remain dissatisfied, and both Muse and Robbie Williams have yet to publicly address the situation.
The band expressed gratitude for their fans' support and emphasized the importance of considering their concerns in the decision to postpone the show.
In response to the backlash, Abdulkadir Ozkan, the promoter from DBL Entertainment, announced that his company would withdraw from organizing the concerts, allowing another company to take over.
The postponement comes amid a nationwide consumer boycott declared on April 2, 2025, against President Erdoğan's policies, prompting investigations into calls for division by the Istanbul prosecutor's office.
Ane Brun has also supported the boycott, citing the imprisonment of university students advocating for democratic rights, which she attributes to DBL's connections to the government.
Muse has postponed their Istanbul concert originally set for June 11, 2025, due to a boycott of DBL Entertainment by Turkish fans and ongoing protests against the government's actions.
Ozkan later claimed his comments were taken out of context and did not intend to target peaceful protesters, but this did not quell the backlash against DBL Entertainment.
Recent protests have seen a significant crackdown by authorities, with reports of thousands detained and violent responses to demonstrators, marking a severe escalation in state repression.
Prominent Turkish singer Gaye Su Akyol has publicly urged artists to consider the pro-democracy movement's boycott of DBL, emphasizing solidarity with the protests.
Critics of the government have initiated boycotts against pro-government companies, leading to sharp criticism from the ruling administration.
In related news, Muse's frontman Matt Bellamy has unveiled a new guitar design influenced by classic American road movies, while bassist Chris Wolstenholme hinted at plans for a new album expected in 2026.
Summary based on 11 sources
Get a daily email with more World News stories
Sources

BBC News • Apr 2, 2025
Muse and Robbie Williams face pressure to cancel Turkish gigs
BBC News • Apr 2, 2025
Muse and Robbie Williams face pressure to cancel Turkish gigs
The Independent • Apr 3, 2025
Rock band Muse postpone Istanbul show over promoter comments about anti-government protests