The surprising announcement of a Ye concert in San Antonio prompted some city leaders to call for cancellation and others to ask how the controversial rapper was booked in the first place. But after a majority of City Council declined to give the show the axe, it seems Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) will take the stage.
MySA asked readers on social media and on our website how they feel about the concert, and from hundreds of responses, it appears that a majority of those who commented support the rapper’s right to perform.
Many San Antonians support July 4 Ye concert, though it’s not unanimous
On Instagram and Facebook, commenters were a little split but largely in favor of the concert going on, if not for freedom of speech, then for economic impact. “I drive for Uber,” one commenter claimed. “I am looking forward to all those visitors.” Responding to a User Joy question on MySA’s website, a reader named Priscilla said, “The mayor should not misuse her power or the office of the mayor to censor artists. Ye is [bringing] such a positive economic impact. We are currently losing to Austin in regards to better concerts, arts, and talent. Ye should not be banned.” Multiple comments read “Kanye for Mayor.”
A spokesperson for the city previously told MySA via email that more than 60,000 fans are expected to attend, with about 50,000 tickets sold. More than 23,000 people are coming from other Texas counties, 15,485 are crossing state lines and 195 sales were international.
Another commenter had a popularly-held opinion, saying, “If you like his music buy your ticket and go see him. If you don’t like his music don’t buy a ticket … Regardless of what he has said or done in the past we can not stop him from performing as that would impose on one’s right to freedom of speech.” In the same vein, another reader commented, “It’s possible not to like the artist but appreciate their art.”
For anyone who missed why Ye’s concert has been so polarizing, the rapper has a long history of antisemitic remarks, including statements like “I’m a Nazi,” running a Super Bowl ad directing viewers to an online store selling a tee shirt with a swastika on it and even releasing a song called “HEIL HITLER” before renaming it “HALLELUJAH.”
Those types of comments have sparked concert cancellations across Europe, and they prompted San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones to call for the same. The controversy spread with other city leaders denouncing antisemitism and division, but has not put a stop to the concert. One commenter wrote, “Won’t be going. He is a hot mess.” Another reader response read, “I wish the citizens of San Antonio had enough time to boycott this concert!”
Can you still buy Ye San Antonio tickets for the Alamodome?
General admission floor and seated 100-level tickets are still available for the July 4 concert at the Alamodome. The cheapest seats will run you nearly $300 each and surpass $1,400 for a front row experience. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show begins at 9 p.m. according to Ticketmaster.
This article originally published at ‘Kanye for Mayor’? San Antonio locals appear to support July 4 Ye concert.