Tour Cancellation by Lord Buffalo Due to Detention of Drummer Yamal Said
Austin, Texas — In a significant setback for the Austin-based rock band Lord Buffalo, their planned European tour has been canceled following the detention of their drummer, Yamal Said, by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The incident occurred on May 12 at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, where Said was forcibly removed from a flight headed to Europe.
Background on Yamal Said
Yamal Said, a Mexican citizen and lawful U.S. permanent resident, has been an integral member of Lord Buffalo. He moved to the United States with his family in the late 1980s after a catastrophic earthquake devastated Mexico City. Following the incident, his bandmates reported that he is currently detained but has managed to secure legal representation.
Impact of the Cancellation
The tour was originally set to debut on May 15 in the Netherlands and conclude on May 23 in Iceland, promoting their latest album Holus Bolus, released through Blues Funeral Recordings. In a notable shift, the Swedish band Orsak:Oslo, scheduled to co-headline the tour with Lord Buffalo, has decided to continue their tour independently. Orsak:Oslo released a statement expressing their concern for Said’s situation, asserting, “No one should be pulled off a plane and jailed for simply trying to travel and make art with their band.”
Broader Context: Visa and Immigration Issues
The challenges surrounding Yamal Said’s detention underscore a troubling trend affecting musicians and artists’ travel, especially during the Trump administration era which saw strict immigration policies. Similar instances have been reported; for example, the British punk band U.K. Subs reported complications entering the U.S. due to visa issues, while Bells Larsen, a trans singer-songwriter from Montreal, canceled a tour due to obstacles in obtaining a visa. FKA twigs and members of the Polish rock band Trupa Trupa have also faced significant visa delays, impacting their performance opportunities.
Reactions and Reflections
This incident has raised serious questions about the treatment of artists trying to cross borders for work. Many view it as an infringement on freedom of expression and cultural exchange. The public response, which includes solidarity from fellow musicians and the broader music community, highlights the shared frustration over increasing restrictions.
As the legal proceedings for Yamal Said unfold, the cultural implications of this incident could resonate beyond Austin. Artists, advocates, and fans alike are concerned about how these developments may affect not only individual careers but also the global music industry as a whole.
For those interested in Lord Buffalo’s music, their album Holus Bolus is available for listening here.
The cancellation of Lord Buffalo’s tour serves as a poignant reminder of the barriers artists face and raises critical discussions about the broader implications of immigration policy on creative freedoms.
