Charley Crockett Cancels Canadian Tour After Being Denied Entry to Canada
Texas country music sensation Charley Crockett has been forced to cancel his highly anticipated Canadian tour after being denied entry into the country over the weekend. The Grammy-nominated artist, who was scheduled to perform at Vancouver’s Orpheum Theatre on Saturday, shared the news with fans via Instagram, stating, “Everybody’s got a past. Mine’s still haunting me.”
Crockett and his band attempted to cross the border in both Vancouver and Kelowna, British Columbia, but were turned away under subsection 44(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act due to a felony conviction from 2016. This denial is particularly surprising given that Crockett toured Canada in 2024 and was in the country as recently as last summer, performing at Toronto’s RBC Amphitheatre alongside Leon Bridges.
A Past That Resurfaces
The root of the issue stems from a 2014 arrest in Virginia for felony possession and trafficking of marijuana. Crockett served time in jail before being released on bail. He ultimately received a 10-year suspended sentence, a US$10,000 fine, and was placed on probation. This conviction is now preventing him from entering Canada.
The cancelled tour dates included stops in Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Windsor, Ontario, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Niagara Falls, Ontario. Crockett expressed his sincere apologies to fans, writing, “I apologize to everyone affected. I know I let y’all down. Canada’s such a beautiful country full of some of the best fans in the world, and I’ve had the best time of my life playing shows for y’all.”
A Prolific Artist with a Unique Voice
Charley Crockett is a remarkably prolific artist, having released 15 albums since 2015, including six in the last two years alone. His music blends country, folk, and blues influences, often exploring themes of the Old West and romanticized mythology. He’s known for his captivating stage presence, honed during his early days as a street performer.
His upcoming album, Age Of The Ram, set to release on April 3rd, is the final installment in his critically acclaimed Sagebrush Trilogy, following 2025’s Lonesome Drifter and Dollar a Day. Crockett’s songwriting often features compelling characters, such as Billy McLane, a fictional cattle rustler introduced in his 2024 album $10 Cowboy, with whom he identifies.
More Than Just Music: A Vocal Advocate
Beyond his music, Crockett is known for his outspoken political views. He has been critical of the Trump administration and has not shied away from expressing his opinions on social media. Recently, he defended Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance and called for the deportation of Elon Musk. Rolling Stone covered his recent outspokenness.
Crockett’s North American tour will resume on March 7th in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. While fans in Canada await a potential future tour, the current situation serves as a stark reminder of the lasting consequences of past actions.
Image Credit: Richard Shotwell/The Associated Press
