Matthew Good Cancels U.S. Tour to Protest Trump’s Tariff Policies
Hey everyone, I wanted to talk about something that’s really caught my attention—something bold, gutsy, and deeply political. Canadian musician Matthew Good has made headlines recently by pulling the plug on his U.S. tour dates. And this wasn’t due to illness, low ticket sales, or any of the usual reasons. No, he did this as a pointed protest against former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration and its ongoing tariffs and economic pressures on Canada.
Matthew Good, known for hits like “Load Me Up” and “Hello Time Bomb,” took to social media to share why he made this tough decision. He said plainly that he couldn’t, in good conscience, perform in a country whose government is engaging in what he sees as unfair political and economic tactics—particularly against Canada. He pointed to the recent cancellation of Canada’s digital services tax, which would have impacted tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Meta. This move, made to smooth trade talks with the U.S., cost Canada an estimated $2 billion in lost revenue. And for Good, that was the last straw.
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In his words, Canada is “backing down to appease Trump,” and that left him feeling both frustrated and powerless. He also highlighted how artists—especially international ones—are walking on eggshells. There’s the fear that even holding or voicing a political opinion could jeopardize their visas or result in being denied entry into the U.S. This isn’t just about music for Good; it’s about values. It's about the cost of staying silent when your country is being pushed around.
Now, I get it—he admitted his cancellation wouldn’t make a huge global impact. He even calculated it at around “.00001%” in terms of overall influence. But for him, it was personal. He’d rather lose a week’s work, and a third of his earnings, than sacrifice his integrity or stay silent while Canada’s sovereignty and economic strength are compromised.
Good also brought up something deeper—the erosion of art and culture in a politically charged environment. He believes that when artists start censoring themselves out of fear, something essential is lost. He said plainly that he’s not asking other musicians to join him, because he knows it’s a hard ask. But he’s setting an example. He’s standing up, even if it costs him.
He had shows lined up in cities like Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo, but they’re now off the table. Still, he urged fans to support the band Texas King, who would have been touring with him. That kind of solidarity, even in cancellation, speaks volumes about his character.
In closing his message, Good called on Canadians to remember what it means to truly stand together for this nation—from coast to coast, Haida Gwaii to Halifax. He reminded us that this isn’t just about policy, taxes, or concerts—it’s about identity, sovereignty, and courage. And in times like these, that message couldn’t be more powerful.
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