international news _ 1st February, 2005
Laurent Garnier Announces No More Trips to the USA
The big man LG has announced that he will never again set foot in the USA with it's current heightened security checks for those wishing to obtain a work visa to perform within the country.
He has cancelled three upcoming dates in San Francisco, New York and LA and has vowed not to play by the rules established in November 2004 by the Bush administration.
In a statement posted on his website he said
"In order to obtain this new visa, the rules have once again changed since November 2004 and I would now have to not only fill out an exceedingly probing application form, but also be interviewed by a member of the Embassy staff, and provide proof of ownership of my house, details of my bank account, my mobile phone records, personal information on all my family members and more. I consider these demands to be a complete violation of my privacy and my civil liberties and I refuse to comply.
I am horrified by these new regulations and feel really sad that this is what some call freedom and democracy.
It has now become almost impossible for an artist to come and perform in the United States. And until this new procedure changes I will unfortunately refuse to comply with this nonsense.
Thank you for your understanding. "
(Matt Cheetham)
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