Overview
- The Prefecture of Reggio Emilia formally barred the July 17 and 18 concerts on Friday after the provincial Committee for Public Order and Safety reviewed the plans.
- The ban was issued under article 2 of the Tulps following petitions from Codacons and the Jewish Community of Modena and Reggio Emilia and assessments led by Prefect Salvatore Angieri.
- Officials highlighted the RCF Arena’s roughly 103,000 capacity, the close timing of the two shows within 24 hours, the concrete risk of counter‑demonstrations, and prior cancellations of Kanye West dates in other countries.
- Authorities also noted crowd‑management concerns linked to Travis Scott’s past high‑intensity shows, while festival organisers had already faced turmoil after the removal of artistic director Victor Yari Milani and public criticism from the arena operator C. Volo.
- The cancellations leave the Pulse of Gaia festival facing major reputational and financial damage, prompt questions about refunds or legal appeals, and create immediate uncertainty about whether the event can proceed as planned.