Pearl Jam Cancels 4/20 Raleigh, NC Concert in Opposition to HB2; Official Band Statement

MayDay10

Southwest refunded me all my points as well as the $11 fee. Very pleased with them... borderline blown away.

ComeToTX

Did he really say something about crossing the picket lines? Are GLAAD and other gay rights groups crossing those lines when they asked bands to keep coming and supporting the cause?

Merkin Baller

pjhawks said:

Ed from the stage in Hampton:

"We had to make a real tough call and um, we had to make a call about what we would do about the situation in North Carolina. (crowd cheers and some boos). Because they have a law there that broadly…broadly discriminates against a whole group of people. And I can’t tell from here if you are booing North Carolina if your booing us for having to decide that we are not gonna play there. I would understand that too.
It was a hard process because we thought we could still play and make things right and we could fortify all the people on the ground working to repeal this despicable law. We thought we could take the money and give it to them and still play the show but the reality is there is nothing like the immense power like boycotting and putting a strain and it’s a shame because people are going to affected that don’t deserve it but it could be the way that ultimately is gonna effect change so again, we just couldn’t find it in ourselves in good conscience to cross a picket line when there was a movement so…
So we apologize to those in Raleigh, we apologize to those who are going to Raleigh, we apologize to the locals who probably believe in the same things that we do. They have a reason to be pissed and were pissed off too. But we gotta be pissed off at the right people and get them to change their minds because they made a mistake, a big mistake and they can fix it.
So tonight we play this one for all the soldiers in the LGBT community.")

The 'soldiers' in the LGBT community in NC asked you to not turn your backs on their people & economy. That's exactly what you just did.

If I was flying to this show, I would be pissed off too.

I appreciate the statement the band is trying to make, but they didn't have to do it this way.

JP Losman

They just played 4 shows in Florida. Where is the rage against the racist stand your ground laws? These are laws that are pushed hard by the NRA. Oh Trayvon was killed a few years ago so I guess this isn't a fashionable topic for a band to make a stand against.

This cancellation did nothing to move the dial. You want to get people to rally on April 25 when the legislature is back in session? You persuade them at your show to make the effort. What did cancelling do? You are economically hurting the businesses and people in locations that are already strongly opposing the bill. And you are grabbing some cheap national attention and publicity for yourself and the issue. You have basically spit at the dozens of organizations that are doing REAL work in trying to repeal the law by doing what they specifically asked you not to do by cancelling the show. Also, you are punishing the people in the state who are being oppressed by the bad law.

Yeah, PJ, play South Carolina which is one of the most racist states in the country and has very racist voter ID laws. You aren't being a hypocrite at all by doing so. Social justice for blacks is not a popular cause for you and your predominantly white fan base and won't generate much in terms of publicity for you.

jeffwalsh

ComeToTX said:

Did he really say something about crossing the picket lines? Are GLAAD and other gay rights groups crossing those lines when they asked bands to keep coming and supporting the cause?

I can't find a statement from GLAAD on this, other than them retweeting news stories of the artists that have canceled in NC, played in NC, or spoken out on this issue.

There is a brand-new group, North Carolina Needs You, encouraging bands to come and play their scheduled shows, but it is a new thing created by two NC activists.

But as for the largest LGBT rights group, Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin released a statement praising Springsteen's decision. "Bruce Springsteen is a hero and an icon because he gives voice, both through his music and his advocacy, to those who struggle against injustice and equality," he said. "It means so much that he has spoken out against this hateful bill on behalf of thousands of citizens whose rights and fundamental dignity are being trampled by the leadership of North Carolina."

But he stopped short of saying whether or not Bruce should have played. So, it seems like (aside from that one new group), the "gay groups" are letting musicians do whatever feels right to them, and encouraging them to speak out either way.

I'm guessing Ed, who is a songwriter, after all, could mean there is a metaphoric picket line forming, and playing there would be walking past Bruce, Ringo, and the others with whom they agree who have decided not to play?

JP Losman

ComeToTX said:

Did he really say something about crossing the picket lines? Are GLAAD and other gay rights groups crossing those lines when they asked bands to keep coming and supporting the cause?

Yes the did. Incredibly insensitive and out of touch statement.

Spiritual_Chaos

MayDay10 said:

Southwest refunded me all my points as well as the $11 fee. Very pleased with them... borderline blown away.

Be lucky you are not Kevin Smith.

NDJeff7

Had tickets to the show, live in Durham and work in Raleigh. Been in the club since '92 and couldn't believe they were finally coming to Raleigh. For anyone who thinks the majority down here supports this law is insane. These were a group of conservative, redneck politicians who passed a law in one day without anyone even knowing about it until after it happened.
I haven't always agreed with the band's politics, but I've respected it. I think they dropped the ball here. I say make your statement on the stage. They have a day off today, come early and join the protests down in front of the state house. I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision to cancel, but it does feel like the safe way out for the band. I can tell you in Raleigh and Durham we are a very open minded group of people who in no way agree with this garbage legislation. Wish they had played their show and joined the protest...

jeffwalsh

Spiritual_Chaos said:

MayDay10 said:

Southwest refunded me all my points as well as the $11 fee. Very pleased with them... borderline blown away.

Be lucky you are not Kevin Smith.

Wouldn't Kevin have just gotten twice as much money back?!

ferrickhead28

NDJeff7 said:

Had tickets to the show, live in Durham and work in Raleigh. Been in the club since '92 and couldn't believe they were finally coming to Raleigh. For anyone who thinks the majority down here supports this law is insane. These were a group of conservative, redneck politicians who passed a law in one day without anyone even knowing about it until after it happened.
I haven't always agreed with the band's politics, but I've respected it. I think they dropped the ball here. I say make your statement on the stage. They have a day off today, come early and join the protests down in front of the state house. I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision to cancel, but it does feel like the safe way out for the band. I can tell you in Raleigh and Durham we are a very open minded group of people who in no way agree with this garbage legislation. Wish they had played their show and joined the protest...

This.
This would speak VOLUMES. I hope they do this and post on here that they plan on doing it, because I would join them in a heart beat!

NDJeff7

ferrickhead28 said:

NDJeff7 said:

Had tickets to the show, live in Durham and work in Raleigh. Been in the club since '92 and couldn't believe they were finally coming to Raleigh. For anyone who thinks the majority down here supports this law is insane. These were a group of conservative, redneck politicians who passed a law in one day without anyone even knowing about it until after it happened.
I haven't always agreed with the band's politics, but I've respected it. I think they dropped the ball here. I say make your statement on the stage. They have a day off today, come early and join the protests down in front of the state house. I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision to cancel, but it does feel like the safe way out for the band. I can tell you in Raleigh and Durham we are a very open minded group of people who in no way agree with this garbage legislation. Wish they had played their show and joined the protest...

This.
This would speak VOLUMES. I hope they do this and post on here that they plan on doing it, because I would join them in a heart beat!

I've got a big car. I would have picked them up and brought them there if they needed a ride!

JP Losman

NDJeff7 said:

ferrickhead28 said:

NDJeff7 said:

Had tickets to the show, live in Durham and work in Raleigh. Been in the club since '92 and couldn't believe they were finally coming to Raleigh. For anyone who thinks the majority down here supports this law is insane. These were a group of conservative, redneck politicians who passed a law in one day without anyone even knowing about it until after it happened.
I haven't always agreed with the band's politics, but I've respected it. I think they dropped the ball here. I say make your statement on the stage. They have a day off today, come early and join the protests down in front of the state house. I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision to cancel, but it does feel like the safe way out for the band. I can tell you in Raleigh and Durham we are a very open minded group of people who in no way agree with this garbage legislation. Wish they had played their show and joined the protest...

This.
This would speak VOLUMES. I hope they do this and post on here that they plan on doing it, because I would join them in a heart beat!

I've got a big car. I would have picked them up and brought them there if they needed a ride!

Yea but lets be real...they don't really care about making a difference and trying to repeal the bill. Otherwise, they would have played the show. The option they chose was for pure publicity. If they are at all genuine then they will come and join the protest. If they don't, then they are full of crap. Ball is in their court.

nmtheo

I do understand that it is important to support PJ's decision and not play Raleigh!!! But I do not feel selfish in saying that I took this week off of work to support my favorite band Pearl Jam of which I have been a member since 1998... Last night was a great show in Hampton and now I sit in limbo until Thursday! This is the 2nd time I have driven to a show to have it cancelled last minute!!! It is a terrible disappointment!! I feel that PJ did not have to take this out on their fans bc we are a very dedicated group to which we have supported them and helped change their lives as well!!!

bookerT

Hey All, I have been getting a lot of questions about whether or not the Wishlist pre-party is happening in Raleigh and wanted to keep you informed....

We are working with the Wishlist board to make the best decision possible for everyone involved. As soon as we have an official statement it will be posted on the Porch and on the Facebook event (click here).

In the meantime, we ask for your patience as we work through this unprecedented situation in the history of the Wishlist Foundation (and the state of North Carolina). Sincerely, David.

NDJeff7

JP Losman said:

NDJeff7 said:

ferrickhead28 said:

NDJeff7 said:

Had tickets to the show, live in Durham and work in Raleigh. Been in the club since '92 and couldn't believe they were finally coming to Raleigh. For anyone who thinks the majority down here supports this law is insane. These were a group of conservative, redneck politicians who passed a law in one day without anyone even knowing about it until after it happened.
I haven't always agreed with the band's politics, but I've respected it. I think they dropped the ball here. I say make your statement on the stage. They have a day off today, come early and join the protests down in front of the state house. I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision to cancel, but it does feel like the safe way out for the band. I can tell you in Raleigh and Durham we are a very open minded group of people who in no way agree with this garbage legislation. Wish they had played their show and joined the protest...

This.
This would speak VOLUMES. I hope they do this and post on here that they plan on doing it, because I would join them in a heart beat!

I've got a big car. I would have picked them up and brought them there if they needed a ride!

Yea but lets be real...they don't really care about making a difference and trying to repeal the bill. Otherwise, they would have played the show. The option they chose was for pure publicity. If they are at all genuine then they will come and join the protest. If they don't, then they are full of crap. Ball is in their court.

I agree, and that's why I think it was weak to cancel. I was telling a buddy of mine, 20 years ago there's no way they cancel. They'd join the fight, play the show and light a T-shirt of McCrory on fire while they played leash.

Thirty Bills Unpaid

whitepants said:

For those bickering about "why" it took Pearl Jam "so long" to decide, this is NOT an any decision, and as Ed was quoted, they thought about continuing on with the show and donating all proceeds. But in the end, it was decided to just make the boldest statement possible and that was canceling the show and giving a firm stance of support for the LGBT community in that backwards state of NC. I'm lucky that I never had interest in the Raleigh show, I'm limited to Philly 2, but I do empathize with the good fans who support PJs decision, but are also missing out on possibly the only show they could have attended. But for those ridiculing Pearl Jam as well as slamming the LGBT community and supporting that evil law in NC... go fuck yourselves!

Your last statement is out of line. I haven't seen one post where people have slammed the LGBT community. In fact, every post has supported them.

And PJ made a dramatic statement with a move that has directly affected many people. For the moment, those people are in a place where they can question the tactic- more so than people completely unaffected can flaunt their moral superiority.

EdsonNascimento

bookerT said:

Hey All, I have been getting a lot of questions about whether or not the Wishlist pre-party is happening in Raleigh and wanted to keep you informed....

We are working with the Wishlist board to make the best decision possible for everyone involved. As soon as we have an official statement it will be posted on the Porch and on the Facebook event (click here).

In the meantime, we ask for your patience as we work through this unprecedented situation in the history of the Wishlist Foundation (and the state of North Carolina). Sincerely, David.

Totally forgot about this and the funds you raise. Too funny. More collateral damage.

Who's being hurt by this decision? I'm thinking the politicians couldn't care less whether PJ plays NC or not.

fireman20

What ever it's a free country but seems hypocritical when they play around the world where human rights really don't exist.

jeffwalsh

fireman20 said:

What ever it's a free country but seems hypocritical when they play around the world where human rights really don't exist.

Their North Korean bootleg is one of their best shows ever, I have to admit.

Electro_UK

jeffwalsh said:

fireman20 said:

What ever it's a free country but seems hypocritical when they play around the world where human rights really don't exist.

Their North Korean bootleg is one of their best shows ever, I have to admit.

Beat me to it :(