New Law Could Force Underground Metal Bands To Skip Touring In Canada

New Law Could Force Underground Metal Bands To Skip Touring In Canada

By Jason Fisher •
Prior to July 31, touring bands were required to pay a $150.00 fee to the Canadian government as an application fee to enter the country.

Prior to July 31, touring bands were required to pay a $150.00 fee to the Canadian government as an application fee to enter the country. As of August 1, 2013, a new law quietly went into effect that raises the rate to $425 per band member to perform at a Canadian venue.

Large touring bands like KISS and Motley Crue won't even notice the fee increase, but smaller club bands will definitely feel the pinch, enough so to see them no longer booked in Canada. The application fee is to be paid for by the venue and many club owners have already stated they will no longer be able to bring in international acts.

Sadly this is another attempt by the Canadian Government to control culture and the arts through fees that will in most cases quadruple a bands cost of performing in the country.