Tyler, The Creator is set to perform at quite a few festivals in Europe this summer, but he won't be able to attend following a letter from the secretary of state that states he can not enter the UK for at least 3 years.
Tyler delivered the bad news to fans via Twitter today. "Due to circumstances I won't be playing Reading, Leeds, Belfest, and other shows in the UK. Sucks and I'm sorry," he wrote. "Based on lyrics from 2009 I am not allowed in the UK for 3-5 years.
Christian Clancy, who serves as Tyler's manager, gave a more in-depth report of the situation, detailing the letter Tyler received from the secretary.
tyler has been banned from entering the UK for somewhere between 3 to 5 years per a letter from the secretary of state for the home department of the united kingdom. the letter specifically cites lyrics he wrote 6-7 years ago for his albums bastard and goblin – the type of lyrics he hasn’t written since… highlights from the letter include that his work “encourages violence and intolerance of homosexuality” and “fosters hatred with views thats seek to provoke others to terrorist acts..” i grew up on NWA, eminem and rage against the machine, so its hard to me to fully wrap my head this thought process and its implications.
You can read this full thoughts here. We'll keep you updated on any developments, but it's looking like it's something of an irreversible decision.