The growing political tensions between the US

The growing political tensions between the US and Russia,'bined with increasing friction between the anti-gay law passed by Russian parliament and the pro-gay attitudes of US pop stars, has led some to suggest that Russia could form a musical Iron Curtain to keep western acts out. But is this really the case?One of Russia's leading concert promoters believes that the current row – stoked during last week's athletics world championships in Moscow – will not lead to any conclusive ban, but he has his concerns.

Yevgeny Finkelshtein, president of PMI, which organised Madonna and Lady Gaga's concerts in St Petersburg, sent an open letter to President Vladimir Putin last week seeking the creation of a separate visa for artists, athletes and their entourages. The letter was signed by 27 industry figures, including prominent artists, event promoters and venue owners. "I wrote the letter to avoid any further scandals or interruptions in the arrival of foreign stars," Finkelshtein told the Guardian. His open letter also warns that any additional requirements or stiffening of the visa regime for artists and athletes will "inevitably lead to the country's isolation from world culture."

The Russian government has met widespread criticism from abroad for its recent clampdown on gay rights: Activists in the United States boycotted Russian vodka, while actor Stephen Fry spoke out against Russia hosting the Winter Olympics in Sochi next year. The uproar'es after Putin signed a federal law in June against the propaganda of "non-traditional sexual relations" among minors, following 10 regional laws passed against homosexual propaganda among minors in recent years.