The planned tour by Russian musician Andrei Makarevich, known in Russia as a foreign agent, across Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan faces possible cancellation due to his expressed support for Israel amid the conflict with Hamas. This development was reported by Life in connection with Shot.
Makarevich and his band Time Machine were slated to perform in Central Asia from late November into early December, with stops in Tashkent, Bishkek, Almaty, and Astana. The concerts now appear jeopardized after Makarevich publicly supported Israel and pledged financial backing for the Israel Defense Forces, triggering backlash in several countries of the region.
Kazakh filmmaker and cultural figure Nurtas Adambay publicly criticized Makarevich, saying the artist should not be in Kazakhstan because of alleged support for actions against Muslims. In response, activist groups formed with the aim of cancelling the performances and urged Kyrgyzstan to join in opposing the arrival of Time Machine as well.
There are claims that ticket sales for Time Machine concerts were weak in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, adding to the pressure surrounding the tour’s viability in those markets. The controversy coincides with broader tensions over foreign cultural figures and perceived political stances in the region.
Since the onset of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine, Makarevich has relocated to Israel with his wife, Einat Klein, who is 39 years old. The move has intensified questions about his current whereabouts and his ongoing international engagements, including the planned Central Asian tour.
In statements given the day before the tour, Makarevich was asked why he does not fight on Israel’s side, given that he now resides there. He replied that he had learned he would not be issued a rifle, despite claiming to have performed well in other roles; nevertheless, he expressed a desire to be useful in some capacity, signaling continued involvement in the broader regional conversation about conflict and humanitarian issues.
Previously, Alexander Revva stated that he had reconsidered his own positions, remarking on a change of plans that included selling a house, which illustrates how public figures sometimes respond to evolving political and social pressures with personal decisions about their professional commitments and residences.