Kanye West Announces European Summer Concerts After Issuing Antisemitism Apology
Controversial rapper Kanye West, known professionally as Ye, has been booked for European concerts this summer following a public apology for a series of antisemitic remarks. The artist will perform at Vitesse Arnhem's Gelredome football stadium in the Netherlands on June 6, with a second show scheduled in Reggio Emilia, Italy, on July 18. Organisers are billing these as his first European concerts in over a decade, marking a significant return to the continent.
Apology and Accountability for Past Behaviour
The announcement comes after Ye issued a public apology published as an advertisement in The Wall Street Journal. In the statement, he expressed regret for comments concerning Nazis, Adolf Hitler, and Jewish people, stating he was not seeking "sympathy or a free pass" but aimed to earn public forgiveness. He also extended an apology to the black community, acknowledging he had let them down.
Ye attributed his past behaviour to a bipolar diagnosis, which he said stemmed from a car crash 25 years ago. He explained: "In that fractured state, I gravitated toward the most destructive symbol I could find, the swastika, and even sold T-shirts bearing it. One of the difficult aspects of having bipolar type-1 are the disconnected moments, many of which I still cannot recall, that lead to poor judgment and reckless behaviour that often feels like an out-of-body experience."
He added: "I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state, and am committed to accountability, treatment, and meaningful change. It does not excuse what I did, though. I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people." Ye also mentioned experiencing a four-month manic episode in early 2025 that destroyed his life.
Recent Controversies and Fallout
These apologies follow a period of significant controversy for the artist. Last May, Ye released a single titled "Heil Hitler" and faced widespread criticism for posting antisemitic tweets and controversially describing slavery as "a choice." The fallout led to Adidas, which produced his Yeezy trainers, severing ties with the rapper in 2022. The sportswear giant subsequently donated more than 150 million dollars to anti-hate groups.
Despite these controversies, Ye remains a prominent figure in music, boasting three UK number one singles and three UK number one albums. His last major European performance was headlining Glastonbury Festival in 2015, where he performed hits such as "Power," "Stronger," and "Black Skinhead" before a stage invader briefly interrupted the set. He also brought his Sunday Service Collective choir to Paris in 2020 as part of the city's fashion week.
Concert Details and Ticket Information
Pre-registration for the presale of Ye's European return is available via the official channels of GelreDome and organiser J.Noah. The presale is scheduled to commence on February 12 at 9am, with the general sale following on February 13 at 9am. A spokesperson for the Gelredome expressed anticipation for the event, stating: "We look forward to welcoming Ye to GelreDome. This is an event of international scale and a special moment for Dutch audiences, we expect significant demand."
The concerts represent a notable comeback attempt for the artist, who has faced substantial professional and personal challenges in recent years. The European tour dates will test public reception following his controversial statements and subsequent apology, with fans and critics alike watching closely to see how audiences respond to his return to the stage.
