Razorlight confirm Russian 'bribe' reports

British rockers Razorlight have confirmed they were forced to cancel a gig in Russia on Friday when local 'officials' demanded "an astronomical amount of cash" for a permit to perform.

The 'America' chart-toppers were due to play for 4,000 fans at Moscow's Nokia Trends Festival and were given just four hours' notice by promoters that they did not have permission to perform.

A statement from the band reads: "At the last minute (the promoters) were cryptically told that Razorlight and the concert could not go ahead as the 'government said no'.

"The permits were denied because, allegedly, in order for the gig to go ahead the 'government' required a further 'permit' costing an astronomical amount of cash."