In 2019, SOiLWORK planned to perform in Singapore, but their show became the center of controversy. Religious concerns, public opposition, and a cancellation turned the event into a heated topic. The situation began after the Singapore government canceled a Watain concert.
The Beginnings of SOiLWORK’s Controversy With Singapore
The controversy started when a now-inaccessible Change.org petition called for the cancellation of both Watain and SOiLWORK’s shows. The petition claimed that these bands promoted “subliminal messages” about death and suicide and did not represent Singapore’s cultural values. The statement read, “These heavy metal bands do not represent the culture which we want in our youths. Their subliminal messages in their songs include death and suicide. Sign this petition to get our lawmakers to ban these bands from performing in Singapore.”
Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs later intervened by citing concerns about public order and social harmony. They offered, “MHA has expressed serious concerns about the concert, given the band’s history of denigrating religions and promoting violence, which has potential to cause enmity and disrupt Singapore’s social harmony.”
After Watain’s concert was canceled, attention shifted to SOiLWORK’s scheduled performance, and fans started asking if their show would go ahead.
SOiLWORK Canceled Their Show For Another Reason
Despite the public pressure, SOiLWORK’s official reason for canceling their October 29th concert was different.
The band stated that vocalist Björn Strid had undergone surgery for varicose veins in his left leg and was still recovering. They wrote, “It is with great sadness that we need to inform you, that our scheduled show on Oct 29th will be canceled. Björn recently underwent major surgery for varicose veins in his left leg. He is still in a rehabilitation process and needs to do a follow-up appointment at the clinic and is not recommended to travel before Oct 29th.”
The band pointed out that Singapore’s strict medical regulations also created issues, as the necessary medications for his rehabilitation were restricted under local law.
Singapore Promoter Accused SOiLWORK of Lying
Following the cancellation, Street Noise SG, a Singaporean promoter, questioned the band’s explanation. They pointed out that SOiLWORK performed in Australia on October 31st, just two days after canceling the Singapore show. The band previously stated Strid was “not recommended to travel before October 29th.” This led to speculation that there was another reason for the cancellation.
Despite the controversy, SOiLWORK has moved forward. The band is currently working on a new album, expected for release in 2026.
