Japanese metal band Loudness cancels U.S. shows after denied entry

TOKYO (TR) – Japanese metal band Loudness has canceled a after members were denied entry to the U.S. this week, reports TBS News (Apr. 20).

The seven-date tour has been cancelled after the veteran band was denied entry to the U.S., a result of stricter immigration policies under the administration of Donald Trump, according to a Facebook post by Reggie’s Rock Club, where the band was set to kick off the tour on April 19.

“Due to the new strict policies the US government has placed on foreigners entering the country, Loudness was denied entry into the United States and sent back home this morning,” the message said. “All shows on the US tour are canceled. Refunds for Wednesday’s show will be issued at original point of sale.”

According to the network, one member of the band had previously been denied entry to the U.S. However, upon arrival at an airport in Chicago he claimed to immigration officials that he had never been denied entry.

Member Minoru Mihara refuted the claim on his blog, saying no member had ever been denied entry to the U.S. He added that the band returned to Japan after a 26-hour journey.

The tour was to celebrate three decades since the band’s debut “Lightning Strikes,” which was released in 1986.