SOILWORK's Controversial Concert In Singapore Has Been Canceled

SOILWORK has been forced to cancel its previously announced October 29 concert in Singapore.

The show was originally scheduled to take place on March 12 but was postponed amid controversy over a petition calling for the event to be banned.

The group announced the cancelation earlier today in a Facebook post.

SOILWORK wrote: "It is with great sadness that we need to inform you, that our scheduled show on Oct 29th will be cancelled. A combination of events has led to this unfortunate decision.

"Björn [Strid, vocals] recently underwent major surgery for varicose veins in his left leg. He is still in rehabilitation process and need to do a follow-up appointment at the clinic and is not recommended to travel before Oct 29th. Singaporean laws also make it near impossible for Björn to bring the needed medicines. Since immigration goes through Singapore, as the first show on the tour, we would run the risk of canceling the remaining dates if Björn can't bring his medicines. It's very unfortunate and nothing we take lightly. We are deeply sorry about this.

"Please know that Singaporean promoter Street Noise Productions have done everything they can to make this show happen, ever since our March show postponement. We are obviously devastated over their massive financial losses and really hope to make it up to them and also you, our fans. We beg for your understanding and to respect our situation.

"We hope to find another opportunity, when circumstances will be different for the band to play in your country. Thanks for your understanding.

"The remaining 2019 tour dates in Australia, Japan and Finland will go ahead as planned."

This past March, SOILWORK and WATAIN were named in a petition signed by more than 17,000 people who called for the two bands to be banned from performing in Singapore.

The creator of the petition wrote: "These heavy metal bands do not represent the culture which we want in our youths. Their subliminal messages in their songs include death and suicide."

WATAIN's concert in Singapore was eventually canceled, with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) explaining that allowing the show to be held would be "against public order interest" and it would "affect our religious and social harmony."