Falling In Reverse has been compelled to reschedule its eagerly anticipated U.K. tour, following the denial of a visa to frontman Ronnie Radke due to his criminal past. The tour, originally set to commence in December 2024, was poised to become the band's most significant in the region yet, with sold-out concerts lined up across major venues. However, the stringent visa regulations enforced by the U.K. Home Office have put the brakes on these ambitious plans, citing Radke's prior conviction and prison sentence as reasons for the rejection.
Through social media, the band addressed the daunting situation, lamenting that Radke's troubled past continues to hinder their international touring endeavors. Their Instagram story bore a heartfelt message: "We reluctantly announce that the home office has declined Ronnie's visa application for the remaining 2024 U.K. shows... The U.K. currently bars visa applicants who have served more than 12 months in prison, which Ronnie did in 2008."
"Hence, we won't be able to grace the U.K. with our presence this month to perform the shows we were eagerly anticipating. Instead, we'll postpone the concerts to next year, while we legally navigate this issue to secure the required visa."
Radke's legal woes stem from a 2006 clash in Nevada that resulted in the tragic death of 18-year-old Michael Cook. Though Radke wasn't directly involved in the fatal incident, his participation in the altercation led to a probation sentence. In 2008, he violated his probation, resulting in a prison term exceeding a year. Despite his endeavors to revitalize his career and reputation, the aftermath of these events still casts a lingering shadow over the band's touring aspirations, especially in countries with stringent visa policies, like the U.K.
This postponement marks another chapter of disruptions for Falling In Reverse's European tour. Recent cancellations, including a Vienna date attributed to "production-related logistical issues," have left fans frustrated over the lack of transparency. Radke's abrasive response to a fan inquiry about the Vienna cancellation – telling them to "go eat a damn Vienna sausage and shut up" – only exacerbated tensions.
Moreover, the band's recent exclusion from Austria's Nova Rock Festival 2025 lineup has sparked rumors of ongoing tensions between the band and European promoters.
Despite these setbacks, Falling In Reverse is still set to tour Australia in March 2025, with no current signs of disruption. The band is also scheduled to perform in Germany and Belgium in June.
For now, U.K. fans will have to patiently await until 2025 for another chance to witness Falling In Reverse live. Earlier this year, the band's latest album, Popular Monster, secured the top spot on Billboard's Top Hard Rock Albums for the first time, marking their first release since 2017. Previously, the band had charted four entries on Top Hard Rock Albums, all debuting and peaking at No. 2: The Drug in Me Is You (2011), Fashionably Late (2013), Just Like You (2015), and Coming Home (2017).