Former New York crime boss Michael Franzese’s Australian tour postponed over visa issues

Michael Franzese, a former crime boss who walked away from the mob and lived to tell the tale, has postponed his Australian speaking tour because of a “technical delay” to approving his visa.

Former New York crime boss Michael Franzese. Picture: Supplied

Former New York crime boss Michael Franzese’s Australian tour has been postponed.

The reformed mobster was due to speak in Sydney on Monday and Melbourne on Wednesday, however organisers informed ticketholders on Saturday morning that the shows were not going ahead as planned due to visa issues.

“We regret to inform you that Michael Franzese Australian Tour has been postponed due to technical delays in Australian immigration approving a visa for Michael Franzese,” a message to ticketholders read.

Former New York Mafia boss Michael Franzese has postponed his Australian speaking tour. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

“Since Mr Franzese has been approved for visas at least four times in the past 10 years, each visit resulting in successful speaking tours, we have every confidence his visa will be approved in the next several days.

“We are actively working to reschedule the events and will provide the new date and details as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding — we’re excited to bring this event to you once everything is finalised.”

Michael Franzese in his younger days in New York. Picture: Supplied

Franzese, who was played by Joseph Bono in Martin Scorsese’s classic movie Goodfellas, was the caporegime of the New York Colombo crime family but left in 1995 after serving eight years for a $520m tax dodge.

“People want to hear about the mob life. They’re very intrigued about it,” he said last month.

“It (motivational speaking) was never in my game plan for any part of my life. But you know, sometimes the unexpected comes up and it turns out to be pretty good.”