Maravatío, Michoacán – Mexican band Los Alegres del Barranco has called off their scheduled performance in Maravatío, Michoacán, citing security concerns. the concert, initially set for Friday, May 30, was postponed following discussions between the band, event organizers, and local authorities.

Official Statement

luis Alvarado, the band’s spokesperson, confirmed the cancellation to Billboard Español. He stated:

In agreement with the event sponsor, local authorities, state security agencies, and members of the band, it was decided to postpone the event due to security concerns.

Luis alvarado, Los Alegres del Barranco Spokesperson

Alvarado did not provide specific details regarding the nature of the security concerns or announce a rescheduled date.

Sponsor’s Announcement

Prior to the official announcement, chilangos Grill, the event’s sponsor, had already indicated a change of plans. On Thursday, May 29, they announced that the show would be rescheduled due to circumstances beyond their control. The concert was reportedly sold out.

chilangos Grill emphasized their commitment to safety in a statement posted on social media:

Our priority has always been and will continue to be the well-being and safety of our audience, artists, and everyone involved with the company, which is why a new date for the performance will be scheduled.

Chilangos Grill, via Facebook

Recent Legal Battles and controversies

The cancellation comes on the heels of several legal and public relations challenges for Los Alegres del Barranco.The band had recently obtained a legal injunction allowing them to perform narcocorridos in Michoacán, despite a state decree prohibiting music that glorifies criminal activity.This decree, which took effect in April, aims to curb the influence of drug cartels through cultural expression.

Jalisco Investigation and U.S. Visa Revocation

Los Alegres del Barranco also faced scrutiny after an incident in Jalisco, where images of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), were allegedly projected during their performance of the song “El del Palenque” on March 29 at the University of Guadalajara.This led to a formal investigation by the Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office for alleged glorification of criminal activities.

The U.S. government responded to the incident by revoking the work and tourist visas of the band members. Christopher Landau, then U.S. deputy Secretary of State, announced the decision on April 1, stating:

Ongoing Investigations

The band, its representative, and the promoter are currently under investigation by the Jalisco Prosecutor’s Office for four performances in different municipalities of that state. Authorities allege that these performances glorified criminal activities. The investigation was publicly announced on May 9.

Narcocorrido Bans Across Mexico

Ten out of Mexico’s 32 states have implemented bans against narcocorridos or any expression that promotes or glorifies criminal activities. Though, these bans have not yet been enacted at the federal level.

Recent Violence against Musicians

The cancellation of Los Alegres del Barranco’s concert also follows the tragic deaths of five members of Grupo Fugitivo, a regional Mexican music group. They were found dead in Tamaulipas on May 29, four days after being reported missing. The deaths are allegedly linked to a faction of a drug cartel operating in that region.