Matthew Good Cancels U.S. Tour Dates in Protest of Trump’s Government
Canadian musician Matthew Good has announced the cancellation of his U.S. tour dates. This move comes in protest of the ongoing tariffs policy and other political decisions by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.
Matthew Good, 54, shared his decision via a Facebook post, expressing his deepening disdain for the current political situation in the U.S. He stated that he cannot, in good conscience, carry out his planned performances in the country.
Why Matthew Good Cancelled His U.S. Tour
The four-time Juno winner, known for his song “Load Me Up”, pointed to Canada’s cancellation of the digital services tax on Canadian revenue of companies like Amazon, Google, and Meta as a major factor in his decision. This tax cancellation, announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney, was a prerequisite for resuming trade talks with the U.S.
Good expressed his disappointment with Canada’s decision to back down from the imposed digital services tax to appease Trump’s government, stating that this move resulted in a loss of approximately 2 billion dollars in revenue.
Fear of Censorship
Good also expressed concerns about the increased visa costs, and the fear that he might be denied entry into the U.S. if he voices negative opinions about the current GOP. He feels this situation is forcing him into silence, and undermining his credibility to speak out about his beliefs.
Despite acknowledging that his decision will have a minimal impact, Good feels a personal obligation to take a stand. He was scheduled to perform in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo in the coming days, and continues to encourage his fans to support the band Texas King, which was set to join him at the shows.
An Invitation to Other Artists
Matthew Good also extended an invitation to other artists to join him in his protest, although he recognizes that this might be an unfair request.
Following Trump’s comments about wanting Canada to join the United States as the 51st state, Good, the “Hello Time Bomb” singer, took to Instagram to express his shock and disbelief. He reaffirmed his commitment to the sovereignty and freedoms of Canada, a sentiment that resonates deeply with him due to his family’s involvement in the Second World War.
In his posts, Good emphasized the importance of standing up for what it truly means to be Canadian. He expressed the hope that when the time comes to take a stand, others will join him.
With files from The Canadian Press
