MGK reveals secret drug arrest that blocked international travel for years
Machine Gun Kelly marked his first visit to Australia in nearly a decade with a deeply personal interview
- MGK revealed that a cocaine possession charge in New Zealand hindered his travel for eight years.
- The singer is currently celebrating his sobriety and the success of his Lost Americana tour.
- He remains ineligible for expedited airport security due to the narcotics incident.
Machine Gun Kelly, born Colson Baker, has finally addressed the eight-year hiatus from his Australian fans, revealing that a past arrest for cocaine possession in New Zealand was the primary cause.
Speaking on the Take Flight podcast on Wednesday —backstage during his sold-out Lost Americana Tour—the 36-year-old singer gave an "honest answer" regarding his travel struggles.
He explained that a level 1 narcotics possession charge has made it nearly impossible to secure international visas and has permanently barred him from "fast-track" airport services like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. "I’m still stuck in lines like normal," he remarked.
This revelation comes during a transformative period for the artist, who recently released his nu-metal single "Fix Ur Face" featuring Fred Durst on 21 April 2026. While in Australia, MGK has been vocal about his spiritual and physical recovery, having entered rehab for the first time in August 2024.
He described waking up in the Sydney sun to "ask God to keep dropping more blessings," a stark contrast to the "haze" he admitted to living in during previous years.
His return to the region was also marked by a poignant tribute to his late friend, Australian snowboarder Luke "The Dingo" Trembath, who passed away in early 2025.
Beyond his career milestones, including his seventh studio album Lost Americana, MGK credited his family for his commitment to sobriety.
As a father to 16-year-old Casie and 13-month-old Saga (with ex-partner Megan Fox), he emphasised that he now views his life from a "holistic perspective."
Before concluding his Australian leg, he shared a series of photos—including a new tattoo for Dingo—and promised fans he wouldn't wait another eight years to return.