Kraftwerk Can't Play Buenos Aires Concert Due to Electronic Music Ban: Report

Legendary German electronic music outfit Kraftwerk may be forced to cancel its upcoming Buenos Aires concert due to a new law banning electronic music in the city.

According to a report from Brazilian publication Clarin, Buenos Aires officials passed the ban in September as a reaction to 10 drug overdoses by party-goers at April's Time Warp festival. Those behind the Kraftwerk concert applied for their permits and were granted those papers in July. About 70 percent of tickets have already been sold, but now, the city government is stepping in to put a hold on the event.

Organizers argue the Kraftwerk show is nothing like a dance music festival, and they are right, but the city maintains that any show using synthesizers is strictly prohibited. Organizers point out that the show won't last longer than two-and-a-half hours, and go so far as to ban alcohol from the premises, but the city is yet unmoved.

Meanwhile, Sonar Festival – featuring very electronic performances from Moderat, Jacques Green, and more – is planned and approved for the city on Dec. 3. The Ministry of Culture of Buenos Aires has said it is okay “because they are concerts: no dancing or DJ situations.”