Country music artist Charley Crockett from Texas has called off his tour in Canada, which included a show in Saskatoon, after being refused entry into the country due to a previous drug conviction. The 41-year-old singer-songwriter was supposed to perform at Saskatoon’s TCU Place and continue his tour with stops in Winnipeg, Windsor, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Niagara Falls before returning to the U.S. He was also set to play in Calgary in July.
Expressing his disappointment on his Instagram account, Crockett acknowledged his troubled past, which still affects him. He disclosed that he and his band attempted to enter Canada through Vancouver and Kelowna, British Columbia, but were denied entry based on a 2016 conviction for marijuana possession and trafficking.
Crockett, who had toured Canada in 2024 and performed in Toronto at the RBC Amphitheatre last summer, last visited Saskatchewan in the summer of 2023 at Country Thunder. He apologized to his fans, stating that Canada holds a special place in his heart with some of the best supporters he has encountered during his shows.
Local musician Jake Vaadeland and his band were slated to open for Crockett at various tour locations. Vaadeland expressed regret over missing the opportunity to perform and hoped for future chances to connect with fans.
Known for his country-folk music, Charley Crockett has released 15 albums since 2015. His latest album, part of the Sagebrush Trilogy, titled “Age Of The Ram,” was set to be released on April 3. The artist’s 2026 North American tour began in Seattle and is set to resume in Pennsylvania on March 7.
The cancellation of the tour has had a significant impact on the local arts and culture scene, as well as the economy, according to Kirby Wirchenko, the director of theatre and programming at TCU Place. Despite the venue’s role as a rental for Live Nation, Wirchenko highlighted the broader effects on the community, including artists, staff, and fans. Refunds are being provided to those who purchased tickets for the cancelled event.
Wirchenko had anticipated a vibrant “Americana roots week” at TCU Place, with Crockett’s performance alongside artists like Matt Anderson and William Prince. The cancellation has left disappointment among fans and the venue staff, underscoring the collective loss experienced when such events are called off.