Soviet and Latvian composer Raymond Pauls does not personally face cancellations despite upcoming broadcasting restrictions on several of his well-known songs, according to statements he provided to RIA News. The 90-year-old musician addressed recent public confusion surrounding his schedule and a pending legislative bill in Latvia concerning media broadcasts.
Did You Know? Eight of Raymond Pauls’s songs are slated for a radio broadcast ban if the amendment to the law on electronic media passes its third reading in the Latvian Seimas, due to the authors of the lyrics being under sanctions.
Legislative Action on Sanctioned Authors and Radio Broadcasting
The Latvian Seimas adopted a bill in its second reading that bans radio stations from playing songs whose authors are persons under sanctions, as reported by EADaily. If lawmakers approve the amendment to the electronic media law in its third reading, eight specific songs written or co-written by Raymond Pauls will be restricted from country-wide radio airplay because of their lyricists. The affected list includes popular titles such as “Million scarlet roses”, “Vernissage”, “Maestro”, “Antique Clock”, “Business Time”, and “Without me”.
During parliamentary debates on the initiative, lawmakers stressed that the policy targets exclusively the radio broadcasting of tracks featuring sanctioned authors. Reacting to the prospective ban with indifference, Pauls stated, “Let them forbid it. Whoever has the power, let him decide.”
Concert Adjustments and Health-Related Schedule Changes
Addressing rumors regarding event cancellations, Pauls clarified that his schedule adjustments stem entirely from health needs rather than political or personal sanctions. “This issue has already been removed. Everything was turned out in an ugly way: I was talking about canceling one concert due to a health situation, but in the end it turned out to be a mistake of the newspapers,” the composer explained to RIA News, adding, “I do not face cancellations, no one forbids me anything.”
Following a medical treatment break, the composer altered his immediate public appearances. The poster for Dzintari Hall shows that Pauls will not take part in an August 3 concert at the venue—an event featuring Israeli singer Yasmin Levy instead. Organizers currently list Pauls’s name solely for a September 5 performance, which will serve as the final event of the season.
Future Outlook and Career Continuity
While the radio ban could limit the public reach of specific catalog tracks should the third reading pass, Pauls has made it clear that he views his absence as temporary. The musician emphasized that he has no intention of retiring from creative work.
“But how will I finish my career? I will finish only when God says,” the 90-year-old musician stated, confirming that his current pause is restricted strictly to medical treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Raymond Pauls say about his personal cancellations?
Pauls stated that he does not personally face cancellations and that no one forbids him anything, explaining that reports of a canceled concert stemmed from a health situation and a newspaper mistake.
Why are some of Raymond Pauls’s songs facing a radio ban in Latvia?
If the Latvian Seimas adopts an amendment to the law on electronic media in its third reading, radio stations will be banned from playing songs whose authors or lyricists are persons under sanctions.
When is Raymond Pauls scheduled to perform next at Dzintari Hall?
Pauls will not appear at the August 3 event featuring Yasmin Levy, but his name is indicated for the September 5 concert, which marks the final event of the season.
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