Russian band Pussy Riot cancels Victoria concert 'due to some circumstances out of our control'
Russian punk band Pussy Riot members Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, right, and Maria Alekhina smile during their news conference in Moscow, Russia, on Friday, Dec. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev)
Russian arts collective and punk band Pussy Riot has cancelled its scheduled appearance at the Rifflandia music festival in Victoria.
The band, led by anti-Putinist singer and activist Maria Alyokhina, was slated to play the festival early Friday evening.
But just hours before their scheduled concert, the band announced on social media that it would not be able to perform.
"Due to some circumstances out of our control, I wonโt be able to make it to the festival this year," the Twitter post said.
"Stay tuned for news because I hope to see all your faces soon!!โ
Rifflandia spokesperson Neesha Hothi told CTV News the cancellation was "due to travel and logistical complications."
In a statement, Pussy Riot management told CTV News that "there was an issue with a visa and she wasnโt able to attend."
Alyokhina, who has long protested Russian President Vladimir Putin's regime, told the New York Times in May that she escaped the country disguised as a food courier.
The activist has been arrested several times since 2012 for her performances with Pussy Riot.
The group garnered international attention that year for a performance criticizing the Kremlin and the Russian Orthodox Church inside a Moscow cathedral.
Rifflandia has altered its Friday schedule to accommodate the cancellation.
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