Lithuania is taking a firm stance against artists who support Russia’s aggressive actions or promote its narratives. Concerts by Dieter Bohlen, a star of the 1980s, and Croatian cellist Hauser have been canceled, according to Glavkom, citing LRT.
The 72-year-old musician, founder of the famous bands Modern Talking and Blue System, was scheduled to perform in Klaipėda and Kaunas in November. However, tickets were removed from sale, and the venues confirmed the cancellations. Bohlen has repeatedly criticized sanctions against Russia, called on Germany to purchase Russian energy resources, and referred to Russia and Germany as a “dream team.” His statements that “Ukraine has no chance against Russia” sparked outrage in the Baltic states.
“We discussed this with the organizers and concluded that such an event cannot take place at our arena,” said Mantas Vedrickas, director of the Žalgiris Arena in Kaunas.
Cellist Hauser also faced a ban after posting a video in which he plays “Kalinka” against the backdrop of the Kremlin as part of the “Music Unites the World” project. Even the following day, when he performed a Ukrainian melody, did not help change the situation—Lithuanian society and the organizers remained unyielding.
As a reminder, Dieter Bohlen, known to Ukrainians as a member of Modern Talking, questioned the sanctions against Russia and called the German government’s actions regarding the energy crisis “tricks.”
