The Frames forced to cancel North American tour over visa restrictions

Dublin rock band The Frames have been forced to cancel their upcoming tour of North America as a result of visa issues and Covid-19 restrictions.

In a statement shared to the band's Instagram page earlier today (August 3rd), the Irish outfit apologies to their fans for the unfortunate news and confirmed that refunds can be issued.

"Due to the ongoing concerns surrounding the pandemic The Frames regretfully have to announce the cancellation of their North American dates in New York, Chicago and at the Ohana Festival," the post reads. "Unfortunately complications with international travel restrictions and visas have made it impossible for the entirety of the band to enter into the US to perform.

"Our sincere apologies to the fans who made plans around these shows. We are gutted about having to cancel and we’ve explored every option in trying to make it work. However the goal posts keep changing leaving us with no other recourse but to cancel. We hope to make these shows work in the near future and look forward to seeing you all at that time."

Meanwhile, Glen Hansard was cleared for entry and will instead perform at Ohana Festival this September.

"While this is a totally different thing to The Frames, Glen is excited to perform in the states for the first time in over two years."

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In some positive Glen Hansard news, the long-time rock/folk musician and The Great Irish Songbook are set to headline the Belfast International Arts Festival this year.

As Covid restrictions begin to ease and the arts and cultural sector slowly reopens, the 59th annual Belfast International Arts Festival (BIAF) returns October 6th to November 7th with a brilliant programme.

Hansard is set to return to Belfast this autumn for a special one-off performance in the newly restored Grand Opera House, with tickets going on sale next week.

His is one of two live music performances to go on pre-sale this Friday, August 6th as part of the festival.

On Friday, October 22nd October, exactly two years since Hansard’s sold out performances at BIAF in 2019, the lead singer of Irish rock band The Frames and one half of folk-rock duo The Swell Season is looking forward to his first gig in front of a live audience on the island of Ireland since the pandemic.

The Great Irish Songbook, featuring legendary Irish folk group Dervish and a stunning line-up of special guests is set to take to the Grand Opera House stage on Thursday 21 October.

Taken from the 2019 album of the same name, The Great Irish Songbook promises an evening celebrating some of Ireland’s most recognisable folk songs.