Belgian punk band the Kids is cancelling its US tour because the members are having problems getting the right visas and work permits. The band posted the news on its Facebook page. ‘Everything that deviates a little bit from the norm is no longer allowed in,’ complains guitarist Luc Van de Poel.
The songs “There Will Be No Next Time” and “This Is Rock 'N Roll” will not reverberate at American music festivals this summer, or at least not be played by the Kids themselves. Concerts in New York, Oakland, Atlanta and Philadelphia have been cancelled.
No visa, no explanation
The Kids haven’t been able to get the right visas and residency permits. ‘This is a total bummer for us,’ guitarist Luc Van De Poel responds. 'Our lawyers who arrange the permits suddenly got no response at all. We had also paid everything in advance, about $4,000 to $5,000. We didn't get a visa, but no reason either, just complete silence. 'According to the band, there is no point in taking the issue further with the authorities, because of ‘political sensitivities’. ‘Dozens of bands are suddenly not allowed to enter the US, so what do you think is the reason?’ British punk band UK Subs was also banned from entering the US in March.
'They have no appetite for punk or rock. Even Neil Young fears he won't be allowed in, so what would we be doing there? Anything that deviates a little bit from the norm is no longer allowed in.'
The band is well-liked by American punk audiences. '2 years ago we did some 10 gigs there: from Seattle to Los Angeles. We never had any problems and at least 600 people came to the gigs. We are not the headliners at such festivals, but a lot of people come especially for The Kids.'