Darius Syrossian cancels US shows citing Trump's "race and nationality-based" travel bans

Darius Syrossian has pulled out of a series of US shows due to President Donald Trump's "race and nationality-based" travel restrictions.

In a statement shared via Instagram on Tuesday (January 27), he wrote: "I have serious concerns around travelling to the United States at this time."

After being sworn in as US President in January 2025, Trump introduced sweeping entry restrictions for citizens from 12 countries that are viewed as "high-risk", including Iran, Libya, Sudan, and Afghanistan. 

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While those born in these countries with valid passports for other nations, including dual citizens, are technically exempt from these restrictions, Syrossian - who holds a UK passport and a O-1 work visa - claimed to have received "multiple first-hand accounts" from people "with the same documentation, and who were also born in the same country as me, experiencing significant difficulties upon arrival in the United States — including being refused entry."

"This was not an easy decision," he added, confirming that he will no longer appear at forthcoming shows in Los Angeles, San Diego, New York, and Miami Music Week.

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"However, remaining silent or carrying on as if nothing is happening is not an option when discrimination is being normalised at the highest levels of government," he continues. "I stand in solidarity with those impacted by the current administration’s policies and hope for a future in which everyone is treated with fairness, respect, and humanity."

You can read Darius Syrossian's full statement below.

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on X