Lorenzo De Monteclaro Cancels U.S. Tour Dates With Chelo Due To Visa Issues

Regional Mexican icon joins Julión Álvarez in facing immigration setbacks that disrupt performances in Texas

Legendary regional Mexican music singer Lorenzo de Monteclaro has announced that he will be unable to participate in the farewell tour of fellow artist Chelo, titled “El adiós de una grande” (The Goodbye of a Great One), due to complications with his immigration paperwork. The norteño icon, who is 86 years old and boasts a career spanning more than six decades, joins a growing list of artists recently affected by visa issues that prevent them from entering the United States — including Julión Álvarez, who also canceled a concert in Texas this weekend.

Monteclaro had three scheduled performances with Chelo on June 23, 24, and 25 in various Texas cities, including Dallas and Houston. However, the delay in obtaining the necessary documents forced him to withdraw from the shows.

“My cancellation is due to circumstances beyond my control, as I am currently in the process of waiting for the required documentation in order to fulfill my commitment on time and as expected,” the singer explained in an official statement shared on his social media.

The announcement left hundreds of fans disappointed, many of whom were eagerly anticipating seeing him live. Social media quickly filled with comments from disheartened followers expressing their frustration.

Although Chelo’s tour will continue as scheduled, Monteclaro’s absence marks a significant loss — especially for longtime fans who hoped to sing along to classics like “Abrazado de un poste” and “El ausente.”

Monteclaro’s case comes nearly at the same time as that of Julión Álvarez, who was forced to cancel his May 24 show at AT&T Stadium after his work visa was revoked just before entering the U.S. The venue, prepared to host over 50,000 people, remained lit, filled with empty seats, and silence.

Both artists have made it clear that these cancellations were not personal choices but the result of official immigration processes beyond their control. In his statement, Monteclaro expressed deep regret over not being able to meet his fans:

“I reaffirm my absolute commitment to bring my music to all of you, as I have done over the course of my six-decade career. We continue working hard to resolve this situation and to share unforgettable moments with you very soon.”

The near-simultaneous visa issues faced by Monteclaro and Álvarez have sparked concern among fans of regional Mexican music and reignited the conversation around the immigration challenges that Mexican artists face when trying to legally work in the United States.

For now, the Hispanic community in Texas will have to wait for another opportunity to see these musical icons in action — hopeful that immigration procedures will be resolved soon, allowing them to reunite with their audiences.