Apparently time does heal all wounds. Snoop Dogg made his first appearance in Australia since the country banned him from performing back in 2007.

This past weekend, the West Coast rap icon headlined one of the biggest music festivals down under—Australia’s Supafest 2011—thanks to petitions from fans that forced government authorities to lift the ban.

The pressure from persistent fans of the charismatic entertainer swayed Australian officials to change course on their previous stance that the rapper’s criminal record was not on par with the country’s strict character code. 

With the old drama behind them the country welcomed Snoop back to headline their annual music festival. In addition to sharing the stage with many of Australia’s most popular recording artists, Snoop rocked out with fellow U.S. music stars Keri Hilson, Nelly, Bow Wow, Ciara, Game, T-Pain, Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes, Taio Cruz and the New Boys.

A heartfelt moment during his performance, Snoop took time out to call for a moment of silence in memory of his recently deceased friend and former 213 group member Nate Dogg. Backstage he discussed Nate’s influence on his personal sound with BET.com.

“He was a part of the creation of this whole LBC, G-Funk sound that was created in the late 80s,” Snoop told BET.com. “He’s a part of what I am in some form or fashion. It was only two D-O Double G’s in this industry—Nate Dogg and Snoop Dogg. Through the spirit of his music I’m going to continue to push forward and make it all come together like we always do.” 

The Aussie music festival is scheduled to continue throughout the week.

(Photo: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)