Latest news with #JuliónÁlvarez
Los Angeles Times
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Grupo Firme cancels appearance at La Onda festival, becoming latest international act to face visa issues
Grupo Firme was unable to show up for its previously planned June 1 set at Napa's La Onda festival. The Tijuana band announced the cancellation Friday afternoon on social media. 'Currently, the visas of Grupo Firme and the Music VIP [Entertainment] team are in an administrative process by the U.S. Embassy, a situation that makes it impossible for Grupo Firme's performance at La Onda Fest to go on as planned,' the band wrote in a statement posted on its Instagram stories. 'We are sorry for the inconvenience this may cause. Thank you for your understanding and, above all else, the love from our U.S. fans.' Grupo Firme is the latest international musical act facing visa issues since President Trump took office for his second presidential term. Many of these have been música Mexicana artists. The group's news came only a week after Mexican singer Julión Álvarez postponed his May 24 show at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, after he claimed his work visa had been revoked. The 42-year-old musician alleged in a May 23 Instagram video that he had received the news of his work visa revocation that day, leaving him and his band unable to travel to Texas for their planned performance. He also claimed he didn't have a full sense of clarity regarding the ongoing status of his visa and was limited in what he could dispel about the situation. Also in May, Chicago's Michelada Fest, a Spanish-language music festival that had programmed several Latin American acts was canceled due to concerns over artists' visas. 'Due to the uncertainty surrounding artist visas and the rapidly changing political climate, we're no longer able to guarantee the full experience we had dreamed up for you with all your favorite artists,' the festival's organizers explained in a statement. 'Although we tried to push through, it became clear that we wouldn't be able to deliver the full lineup as planned.' The organizers would go on to write that, as an independent outfit, Michelada Fest 'can't afford to take on a big risk with so much uncertainty ahead.' Grupo Firme, Anitta, Danny Ocean, Tokischa and Luis R. Conriquez were scheduled to perform at the July festival. In early April, the U.S. State Department canceled the work and tourist visas of the members of the Mexican corrido band Los Alegres del Barranco after the group displayed photos of drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes at its concert in Guadalajara, Mexico. During their March 29 show at the University of Guadalajara, the band put an illustrated depiction of Cervantes — a key player in the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG — on a mega-screen while playing their song 'El Dueño del Palenque.' Videos of the incident were captured on social media. 'I'm pleased to announce that the State Department has revoked the band members' work and tourism visas. In the Trump Administration, we take seriously our responsibility over foreigners' access to our country,' said Christopher Landau, the U.S. deputy Secretary of State in April. 'The last thing we need is a welcome mat for people who extol criminals and terrorists.' Outside of the world of Latino artists, British singer FKA twigs announced in April on Instagram that she had to cancel series of concerts for the month in North America — including a slot at Coachella 2025 — due to 'ongoing visa issues.'
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Grupo Firme Cancel US Show After Visa Suspended by Trump Administration
The post Grupo Firme Cancel US Show After Visa Suspended by Trump Administration appeared first on Consequence. Mexican regional act Grupo Firme have pulled out of their scheduled appearance at the La Onda Festival this weekend after their visas were unexpectedly suspended. The performance was set to take place on Sunday (June 1st) in Napa Valley, CA. The band said their visas are 'under administrative review by the U.S. Embassy,' per an Instagram statement obtained by the Associated Press, and stated it would be 'impossible' to stage their show. Due to the confidential nature of visa proceedings, the AP also corroborated the U.S. Embassy in Mexico could not provide any additional information at this time. Grupo Firme isn't the only Mexican act facing visa issues as of late; last month, Julión Álvarez abruptly postponed a sold-out show in Arlington, TX, after his work visa was revoked, barring his entry into the States. Both acts are known for performing narco-corridos, a genre that has long stirred debate. While critics argue these songs glorify cartel leaders, supporters contend they offer a raw reflection of the difficult realities faced by youth entangled in the drug trade. Amid the growing controversy, Grupo Firme has taken steps in recent months to stop performing narco-corridos live. Beyond the targeting of Latino musicians, Canadian trans musician Bells Larsen had to cancel his US tour because 'US Immigration now only recognizes identification that corresponds with one's assigned sex at birth.' Meanwhile, FKA twigs faced setbacks for her 'Eusexua Tour' after not completing visa paperwork on time, rescheduling several US tour dates multiple times. UK Subs revealed they were denied entry to the United States, with bassist Alvin Gibbs hypothesizing it may have been due to his lambasting of Donald Trump. Popular Posts King of the Hill Revival Gets Hulu Release Date, New Opening Sequence Man Wearing Nazi T-Shirt Gets a Beatdown from Fans at Punk Rock Bowling Fest Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence Are Now In-Laws David Lynch's Personal Archive Going Up for Auction Dave Mustaine: Metallica Stole "Enter Sandman" Riff from Another Band Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Evening Announces Summer 2025 North American Tour Subscribe to Consequence's email digest and get the latest breaking news in music, film, and television, tour updates, access to exclusive giveaways, and more straight to your inbox.
Daily Mail
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Mind-bending twist after singer Julión Álvarez canceled Texas concert when Trump admin revoked travel visa
The huge Mexican star forced to cancel his Texas concert after his visa was cancelled had the last laugh at the American Music Awards. Julión Álvarez capped off a turbulent three days by winning his first AMA, despite being accused of having links to notorious Mexican drug kingpin Raul Flores, who worked for Joaquin ' El Chapo ' Guzmán of the Sinaloa Cartel. The 42-year-old's band, Julión Álvarez y Su Banda Norteña, won 'Favorite Latin Duo or Band' at the event presented by Jennifer Lopes in Las Vegas on Monday. 'This award is for my people, who have always supported me every step of the way,' Álvarez said in a statement Tuesday. 'I receive it with deep gratitude,' he added, without making mention the his cancelled visa or the cartel ties believed to be behind the Trump administration revoking his visa. Álvarez was scheduled to perform before almost 50,000 fans at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Saturday. Álvarez explained on Instagram the sold-out show could 'sadly' not go ahead due to his work visa being cancelled. 'It is not possible for us to go to the United States and fulfill our show promise with all of you. It's something out of our control. That's the information I have, and it hurts.' President Donald Trump's administration has banned two Mexican music groups from entering the United States in the last two months Álvarez was apologetic and vowed that the show would be rescheduled for a later date while offering refunds. The famed musician was showered with messages of support on Instagram after being recognized by the American Music Awards. 'This award only confirms how talented and dedicated @lospasosdejulion is, a great in Mexican music,' wrote Apple Music radio host Evelyn Sicairos. 'Congratulations and good luck! But what about the Visa?' Yazmin Garza said. 'I'll still need psychological therapy because the concert was canceled.' 'Marry me baby,' one follower joked. 'I'll fix your papers.' It was not the first time that the singer has been targeted by the United States government. In August 2017, Álvarez had his visa revoked after the Department of Treasury sanctioned him and more than 20 others, including soccer legend Rafael Márquez, under the Kingpin Act for their alleged ties to Flores, who also worked for Hector Beltrán of the Beltran Leyva Organization. The Department of the Treasury claimed Álvarez had acted as a 'front person' for Hernandez's drug trafficking ring. At the time, Álvarez admitted to meeting Flores after he was booked to sing at a club he owned. 'I know him as a businessman ... I never had his cell phone number,' Álvarez said. 'I am a very honest person.' Álvarez was removed from the sanctions list in 2022 and obtained his visa earlier this year. Flores was convicted for conspiracy to distribute cocaine in in 2024 and was sentenced to 21 years. Álvarez's show cancelation comes after another Mexican music group, Los Alegres del Barranco, was banned from performing in America for glorifying infamous cartel leaders during their concerts. Donald Trump's administration revoked members' work visas in April after they serenaded fans with a mugshot of Ruben 'El Mencho' Oseguera. The group was about to sing the narcocorrido, or drug ballad, 'El dueño del palenque,' at a show in Guadalajara, Jalisco, when they suddenly blew up photos of the notorious drug cartel leader as part of their set.
New York Post
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Beloved Mexican singer Julión Álvarez forced to postpone sold-out AT&T Stadium concert after his visa was revoked
Grammy-nominated Mexican singer Julión Álvarez was forced to postpone his concert at AT&T Stadium in Texas after his visa to enter the United States was revoked a day before he was to perform in front of a sold-out crowd. Álvarez representatives said the singer was informed he would be unable to enter the US the day before he was supposed to perform on Saturday, according to a news release on Friday. 'With nearly 50,000 tickets sold, this sold-out show was set to be an unforgettable night for fans,' promoter CMN wrote. 4 Julión Álvarez performing during a concert at Arena Monterrey on Oct. 29, 2021, in Monterrey, Mexico. Getty Images His team said they are 'actively' working on rescheduling the concert. 'Julión Álvarez extends his heartfelt thanks for your patience and continued support, and he looks forward to reuniting with his Texas fans very soon,' the statement read. The 'Regalo De Dios' singer also announced the news in a video posted to his Instagram account, where he broke the news himself to his 3.7 million followers. 'Sadly, the event will not go on as planned due to our work visa being canceled,' Álvarez said in Spanish. Álvarez revealed that the stage was already built for him to perform at AT&T Stadium, and his production team was already in Texas in preparation for the show when he got the news. 'It is not possible for us to go to the United States and fulfill our show promise with all of you. It's something out of our control. That's the information I have, and it hurts,' he said. 4 Álvarez performs onstage during Univision's 29th Edition of Premio Lo Nuestro A La Musica Latina at the American Airlines Arena on Feb. 23, 2017 in Miami, Florida. Rodrigo Varela The Grammy-nominated singer reassured fans the show would be rescheduled but also offered refunds for those who could not attend the new date whenever it's announced. It's unclear why the popular Mexican singer's visa was revoked. 'Visa records are confidential under US law; therefore, we cannot comment on individual cases,' a State Department spokesperson told NBC News. Saturday's concert was set to be the singer's fourth show in the US this year as part of his '4218 Tour USA 2025.' Álvarez had already performed three shows at SoFi Stadium in California in April. 4 Julión Álvarez (CR) and his band recieve award onstage during Univision's 29th Edition of Premio Lo Nuestro A La Musica Latina at the American Airlines Arena on Feb. 23, 2017 in Miami, Florida. Rodrigo Varela While the announcement shocked fans who expected to see the beloved Mexican performer, it's not the first time he's had issues with his US visa. Álvarez was among 20 people who had their US work visa revoked and was put under sanctions in 2017 after he was accused by the US government of money laundering in connection with Mexican drug kingpin Raul Flores Hernandez, according to a statement by the US Treasury. The singer denied the allegations and said his only ties to the drug trafficker were from a real estate purchase, according to Rolling Stone. He was removed from the sanctions list in 2022. 4 Álvarez performs in New York, New York at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on July 30, 2016 in New York City. Getty Images The 'Lo Tienes Todo' singer — beloved for his traditional music style with elements of banda, norteña, and mariachi — has nearly 17 million listeners on Spotify a month. He has also been nominated for one Grammy and multiple Latin Grammy Awards. Álvarez's visa issues come after members of the popular Mexican band Los Alegres del Barranco had their US visas revoked in April after they were accused of 'glorifying a drug kingpin' during a recent performance. The move was taken after an image of the leader of the infamous Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) was projected onto a screen at a recent concert by the group, Los Alegres del Barranco, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said. The group, formed in the Mexican state of Sinaloa in 2005, was scheduled to perform more than a dozen US tour dates this year, including in Alabama, California, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Texas. However, after the image of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Ramos — more commonly known as El Mencho — was featured at a performance in the Mexican city of Zapopan in March, the US State Department revoked the band member's US visas.
Hindustan Times
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Who is Julión Álvarez? Mexican singer says US concert postponed after his, bandmates' work visas were revoked
Mexican singer Julión Álvarez has announced that he has postponed his Saturday, May 24, concert at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, because his work visa was revoked. Álvarez, show promoter CMN and management company Copar Music claimed that the concert had to be canceled 'due to unforeseen circumstances,' NBC News reported. They added that Álvarez was 'unable to enter the United States in time for the event.' Álvarez, 42, spoke about the postponement in an Instagram post. He said in a video that on May 23, they were formally informed that his and his bandmates' work visas were canceled ahead of their concert on May 24. About 50,000 tickets had been sold for the show, the artist said. Promoters and Álvarez's team said they are working hard and trying their best to reschedule the performance. All the tickets that were previously bought will be eligible for the new date, and for those who cannot attend the show on the new date, details will be provided for requesting a refund. Álvarez, born and raised in La Concordia, Chiapas, México, joined the Mexican band, 'Banda MS,' until 2006. He later went on to form his own band, named 'Julion Alvarez y Su Norteno Banda.' Miguel Angel Fox, producer of the Mexican talent show, La Voz, selected Álvarez to participate as coach in its fourth edition back in 2014. He became the winning coach with his pupil, Guido Rochin. Álvarez's album, El Aferrado, was nominated at the 16th Annual Latin Grammy Awards for Best Banda Album, and his song, El Amor De Su Vida, was nominated for Best Regional Song. It was announced in May 2016 that Álvarez would embark on a 22-Foot Arena Tour in the United States, which was set to be the first for a regional Mexican act. However, he has had run-ins with the US government in the past due to accusations of money laundering in 2017 in connection with Mexican drug kingpin Raul Flores Hernandez. Álvarez, who was widely known as 'The King of the Box Office,' was blacklisted by the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control in 2017, but removed in May 2022. Had Saturday's performance not been postponed, it would have been Álvarez's fourth US show on the 4218 Tour USA 2025. He had three shows at SoFi Stadium in California in April.
