UK Venues Cancel Michale Graves Tour Amid Far-Right Controversy and Political Pressure
February 19, 2026
Several UK venues and cities canceled or reconsidered Michale Graves's tour dates amid controversy over his past associations with far-right groups and participation in the January 6 Capitol event, including venues in Worcester, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Portsmouth, and London.
In Worcester, Marrs Bar faced political pressure from a local Green Party councillor to cancel Graves, while the venue owner indicated he would not cancel and would not engage in political disputes.
Marrs Bar defended its stance, saying it does not adjudicate political views and aims to provide a platform for live music, resisting external pressure on a private venue.
Graves responded with a message promoting a peaceful, inclusive live music environment and invited supporters to attend while urging respect for those who choose not to.
The discussion unfolds amid a polarized era, with ongoing debates about accountability for artists with controversial political histories.
Venues cited a commitment to an inclusive space and distance themselves from Graves's stated right-wing comments.
Members of the local music community emphasized the importance of venues taking action to address problematic statements and protect space for fans of hard rock or punk.
The incident is viewed as part of a broader pattern where entertainers face work repercussions over political views, with other examples cited in the industry.
UK punk and music circles continue debating how to balance artistic expression with public safety and accountability for controversial positions.
Some venues, including Marrs Bar, faced political pressure to cancel, though the venue owner suggested he would not bow to political disputes.
Graves was reportedly slated to perform in the UK, Spain, and Portugal, though some partners announced he would not travel to the UK, while his Brazilian backing band would perform a separate Misfits-styled set.
Initial tour plans included February and March performances across multiple countries, with several UK dates affected by cancellations.
Summary based on 7 sources
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Sources

Newsweek • Feb 19, 2026
Michale Graves Shows Canceled Over Proud Boys Connections
Manchester Evening News • Feb 17, 2026
Stockport music venue cancels gig from American musician after community uproar
Consequence • Feb 18, 2026
Ex-Misfits Singer Michale Graves Responds After UK Gigs Canceled Due to His Far-Right Views