Chaos Erupts at Mexican Concert After Singer Refuses to Perform Narcocorridos Amid Government Ban

Hundreds of narcocorrido fans attended Luis R. Conriquez’s concert in the city of Texcoco—15 miles outside of Mexico City—on Saturday night. When Conriquez informed the attendees that he would not be performing any narco-related tunes due to a government ban, the crowd responded violently.

Videos circulating online show flying beer cans, booing, and a full-on stage rush where more than a dozen enraged concertgoers destroyed instruments and audio gear.

Conriquez—who is mostly known for singing songs related to the Sinaloa Cartel—tried to calm the crowd by empathizing with their disappointment. “It’s a law that must be respected… I also feel bad for not singing what you want to hear,” Conriquez said.

Despite the artist’s efforts to continue with the show, Conriquez and his crew were escorted out of the venue for safety. His manager later posted on social media that his team was simply following the government’s order not to sing narcocorridos.

State officials confirmed the incident in a statement, saying no one was injured. They also urged against “condoning violence, referring to figures linked to criminal acts or drug use” at public events.

The ban on narcocorridos comes as Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum tries to counter narco culture, which in recent years has experienced a boom in popularity due to social media and popular television series.

Sheinbaum recently launched a campaign aimed at steering youth away from narcocorridos: a music contest “for peace and against addictions.”

When asked about the violence witnessed at Conriquez’s concert, Sheinbaum claimed she was against “prohibition and censorship.” She explained that her recently launched campaign focuses on “promoting other content” rather than prohibiting narco-related music.

Those opposing the narcocorrido bans—which are already in effect in states including Nayarit, Baja California, Chihuahua, and Quintana Roo—argue that they violate freedom of speech. Many artists have also defended the controversial genre, suggesting it reflects the reality of many Mexicans. While some songs glorify drug lords and the narco lifestyle, others criticize the government and protagonize victims.

Adding to the complexity of narcocorrido performances in Mexico is the involvement of the Trump administration. Six of Mexico’s major drug cartels were designated as terrorist organizations by the United States earlier this year, meaning any perceived link to them could lead to legal consequences, such as traveling and economic sanctions.

Members of the Mexican band Los Alegres del Barranco recently had their U.S. visas revoked after projecting images of “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, and Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán during a concert in Guadalajara.