American rapper Kanye West has submitted an extraordinarily complex technical rider for his upcoming concerts in Saint Petersburg, according to concert organizers.
Anna Subcheva, the general director of concert agency Say Agency, told state news agency TASS that the technical requirements for the performances are demanding because the staging is designed for a full world tour production.
Subcheva explained that each show on the tour differs slightly from the previous performance to accommodate the unique physical features of each concert venue.
The selection of the venue was conducted jointly by Say Agency and representatives for the musical artist, who placed a heavy emphasis on audience comfort. After analyzing weather patterns in Saint Petersburg over the past three years, the team identified a high likelihood of rain during the month of October.
Organizers selected the Gazprom Arena specifically because the stadium features a closing roof, ensuring that weather conditions will not prevent fans from enjoying the open arena performance.
Staging and Venue Selection
West will perform two concerts in Russia as part of his global tour, with both shows scheduled to take place in Saint Petersburg on October 10 and October 11.
A technical rider is a contractual document provided by performing artists that outlines the specific staging, audio, visual, and logistical equipment required for a concert. Saint Petersburg, the second largest city in Russia, frequently hosts major international cultural and entertainment events.
The Gazprom Arena is a modern sports and entertainment venue located on Krestovsky Island in Saint Petersburg, equipped with a retractable roof structure designed to shield major events from adverse weather.
Meeting Plans and Political Sympathy
Subcheva also addressed reports regarding West's desire to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin during his trip to the country. She stated that the rapper dreams of securing a meeting with the Russian leader while in Russia.
According to Subcheva, the musician has publicly expressed admiration and sympathy for Putin over a period of several years.
