News

Visa Problems Force Rodrigo y Gabriela to Cancel Shows

Mexican-bred, Irish-dwelling duo Rodrigo y Gabriela have been forced to cancel a series of shows in the U.S.—including an appearance at South by Southwest—after Rodrigo Sanchez was unable to secure a work visa for entering the States. Mistaken identity is apparently the culprit; U.S. officials needed to verify that Sanchez was not a suspected criminal who bears a similar name.

"The timing is pretty rough," admits Chris Tetzeli at ATO, the band's label. "Rodrigo had nothing on his file. He's absolutely clean. It's just this name confusion."

Rodrigo y Gabriela are known for putting a traditional Latin spin on heavy metal riffs. Their latest album, an eponymous release from 2006, features covers of Metallica and Led Zeppelin tunes.

--the ARTISTdirect Staff
03.16.07