Border Barriers: Charley Crockett and Six Other Musicians Denied Entry to B.C.
Texas country troubadour Charley Crockett has joined a growing list of musicians facing concert cancellations in British Columbia due to border crossing issues. The 41-year-old singer was forced to cancel his upcoming Canadian tour after being denied entry at the Canada-U.S. border this week, reportedly attempting to enter twice within 24 hours—first in Vancouver, then Kelowna.
Criminal Conviction Creates Entry Barrier
Crockett's denial stems from a felony conviction for cannabis distribution in Virginia on March 22, 2016. Despite Canada's Cannabis Act legalizing adult possession and use since October 17, 2018, the legislation does not provide amnesty for foreign citizens with prior criminal convictions related to the substance. "I've been advised that it would jeopardize my freedom to try and enter again," Crockett wrote in an Instagram post.
This marks a significant setback for the artist, who has previously toured Canada without incident, selling out shows in Vancouver and other markets. The incident occurs amid new measures announced under Prime Minister Mark Carney to strengthen border security this year.
A Recurring Problem for Touring Artists
Crockett's experience is far from unique. Artists across various genres and fame levels have encountered similar barriers when attempting to perform in British Columbia. Here are six other musicians who have faced border-related concert cancellations:
Kneecap: Legal Battle Over Entry Ban
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap launched legal action against Canadian MP Vince Gasparro after he accused them of supporting extremist groups and announced their ban from entering Canada. The group had already cancelled its U.S. tour when member Mo Chara faced terrorism charges in London. Despite sold-out Canadian dates scheduled for October 22-23, 2025, at Vancouver's Vogue Theatre, the band's legal challenge remains pending.
The Browning: Documentation Delays
American rock act The Browning experienced border documentation issues that prevented their October 9 performance at Vancouver's Rickshaw Theatre. The group apologized to fans, suggesting the problem appeared to be an administrative mix-up rather than a serious violation, indicating they hope to return on future tours.
Playboi Carti: Last-Minute Drop from Major Event
Star rapper Playboi Carti was removed from The Weeknd's July 15-16, 2025, concerts at B.C. Place just days before the shows due to "border crossing issues." The sudden cancellation left attendees with only one opening act for the highly anticipated stadium performances.
Cody Jinks: Production Truck Paperwork Problems
Outlaw country artist Cody Jinks was turned away before his July 4, 2025, concert at Abbotsford Centre. The issue centered on paperwork problems with several of the artist's production trucks, which Jinks deemed essential for delivering an optimal live experience to fans.
Zac Brown Band: Crew Member Complications
Just hours before their scheduled October 21, 2022, performance at Rogers Arena, the Zac Brown Band announced they could not perform because key crew members were denied entry into Canada. The band noted on Meta that "some of our crew members had charges on their records from over a decade ago that have since been removed," adding that they had regularly performed in Canada for ten years, including two shows earlier that year.
Broader Implications for Music Industry
These incidents highlight the complex challenges touring musicians face when navigating international borders, particularly when historical convictions or administrative issues arise. While border security measures continue to evolve, the music industry must contend with the practical consequences for artists and fans alike. The pattern of cancellations suggests this issue extends beyond individual cases to systemic barriers affecting cultural exchange through live performance.
