Singer Matthew Good Cancels Show in Upstate New York Over Trump

Canadian rock artist Matthew Good has canceled several upcoming U.S. tour dates, including a highly anticipated performance in Buffalo, citing political concerns tied to President Donald Trump and recent U.S.-Canada relations.

Good, known for his ‘90s and early 2000s alternative rock hits such as “Apparitions,” “Load Me Up,” and “Weapon,” was scheduled to perform at the Town Ballroom in Buffalo on Thursday, July 17th.

But in a candid message to fans shared online, the singer-songwriter announced he is scrapping his Buffalo stop, as well as concerts in Cleveland and Pittsburgh, saying he “can’t, in good conscience, carry out [his] dates this summer in your country.”

“This is not fair to you, and I’m very well aware of that,” Good wrote, “but the truth is, every week that goes by, I have a deeper disdain for what’s going on there politically.”

Good’s decision comes amid renewed tension between the U.S. and Canada fueled by controversial trade policies. The singer specifically referenced Canada’s recent decision to abandon its digital services tax (DST), a move many see as a concession to the U.S. government under pressure from the Trump administration.

“We’re walking away from approximately two billion dollars in accumulated revenue just to appease Mr. Trump’s government,” Good said, criticizing the Canadian government for backing down during trade negotiations. “I can’t sit silently while our amazing country is bullied into submission.”

The digital services tax, implemented last year, targeted online ad sales and e-commerce by major tech firms, many of which are based in the United States.

Payments were scheduled to begin this summer, but the plan was quietly shelved amid fears of retaliatory tariffs. Trump recently threatened Canada with a 35% tariff hike in a letter, further straining relations.

Good also took issue with the rising costs and increasing uncertainty artists face when touring in the U.S., pointing to inflated visa fees and the possibility of being denied entry despite having the proper documentation.

“There’s so much fearmongering now that even after securing a visa, artists worry that if we’ve ever said anything critical about the GOP, we could still be denied entry,” he said. “I end up biting my tongue—and with that, losing what credibility I had to speak up.”

“I know this will affect my career in the U.S.,” Good admitted. “But my world has always revolved around political awareness. I’m willing to risk that to speak out.”

He went on to express sadness over what he sees as a broader erosion of artistic freedom in the U.S., describing Trump’s political legacy as one that has “bastardized the institution of art and culture.”

“I realize that I have approximately .00001% impact on things overall, as this was just a few thousand tickets,” he wrote. “But I can’t stand by and be quiet.”

According to the Town Ballroom, all tickets purchased for the canceled Buffalo performance will be automatically refunded at the original point of purchase.

Singer Matthew Good Cancels Show in Upstate New York Over Trump