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

brianlux said:

Social awareness is an integral part of what has long been a part of what makes PJ a great band. Thanks for doing the right thing guys. Proud of you!

I agree with this. But it's from where I sit. I'm not going to this show so I don't have any money or time vested. If I did I might feel different. Sorry for people that lost money and are getting screwed out of their show. The Fuck You's are a bit strong and I think people saying that are taking this as a personal attack. It's not personal, it's business.

JP Losman said:

hsohi said:

JP Losman said:

I think they are clueless and this is grandstanding by the band...you just played Florida with the crazy stand your ground laws...you are playing states with horrible voter ID laws that are racist and a civil rights problem. and you aren't listening to the people that are actually being discriminated or the people actually trying to repeal the law.

http://perezhilton.com/2016-04-12-north-carolina-needs-you-gay-friendly-organizations-asking-artists-not-cancel-shows

Stand your ground laws allow people to defend themselves...pal

Yea tell that to Trayvon Martin's family

I will and would. He wasn't so innocent was he... Get your head out of your ass.

I feel bad for the fans who were planning to attend, especially those who were/are traveling. Every show is a significant life event for the real fans.

The fans who are calling the band names should be ashamed of themselves. This band has always stood up for what they believe in. It's one of the reasons we all love them.

PJlive said:

Sucks. But the people of North Carolina did this to themselves!!!

More than 50% of us voted Democrat in the last election. The state government is rigged due to gerrymandering. This is an overreach of power by the Republican governor and his cronies, and doesn't represent the state as a whole. They didn't even open the law up to discussion (it literally went from non-existence to law in less than 24 hours) because they knew how many people would oppose it.

rchallen said:

So I'm still proud to be a longtime resident of Charlotte, NC... Ironically a very progressive city, as apparently our decision to provide protection for the TG community provided the impetus for Gov. Patsy McCrory and his POS cronies to pass the horrible, awful HB2 law. Which specifically states that local governments and cities can NOT pass protections of their own.

But I'm deeply ashamed and embarrassed that the Republican legislature--which only came to power thanks to gerrymandering and the rural districts--has decided to launch their hateful campaign against ALL minorities. Not just the LBGT community, but also women, minorities, and even religion... There are NO protected classes under HB2 anymore. (McCrory has since "amended" the law to allow for some protected groups, which is a bit like Dick Cheney shooting you in the face and then offering you a Band-Aid two weeks later.)

On a social and moral level, I completely support Pearl Jam... and Springsteen as well. (Another show I planned to attend that got cancelled two days beforehand.) I agree that the timing could've been better, but I also suspect the time frame was chosen, as with Springsteen's decision, for maximum political impact. It's not just taking dollars out of the state... It's also drawing media attention to the POS idiots controlling our State house and adding political pressure in the hopes that they (eventually) do the right thing.

But here's my frustration in the interim: HB2 does NOT reflect the mindset of the state as a whole. It was a sneaky piece of legislation, rammed through in less than a day with no debate whatsoever, solely to punish the "progressive" cities (Charlotte, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Asheville, and others) and mobilize the far right wing to come to the polls in November. (Because nothing gets bigoted right-wingers more excited than denying basic rights to gays.) If the state wasn't gerrymandered to the point of insanity, these assholes wouldn't even BE in office... Much less passing divisive legislation with the confidence of men who know that their districts are SO red, their re-elections are all but assured. Meanwhile, anyone in the state who is liberal, progressive, or even moderate (which covers about 95% of most NC PJ fans) is punished by the actions of the bigots we did NOT vote for and do NOT support.

I hope the band gets a chance to read this post, as it comes from someone who's fought against (and voted against) these assholes for years and years. I deeply respect the hard decision they made, while also feeling the monumental (selfish) loss that comes from knowing that some of my favorite artists, and bands, will no longer visit my state while these idiots remain in power.

I love Charlotte, and I love North Carolina, and I hate the fact that a tiny hate-filled group has co-opted our government and currently holds the state hostage. They don't speak for us, and we will do everything in our power to vote them out come November. But if we don't... I might be asking for suggestions on where to move.

God bless Pearl Jam, and I hope you guys throw every ounce of your anger and energy into the Columbia show the following night. Because I will be there with all MY anger at the f**kers who keep trying to take my state away from me... and I could probably use some Release.

WELL SAID

From the band's POV, they have witnessed middle aged folks standing in line 4 or 5 hours for stickers...I'm sure they feel pretty Teflon. They know we aren't going anywhere

I knew plenty of people who were going because they live in the area and some who were traveling from NY to go, this just leaves a sour taste in everyone's mouth. How can it be proven canceling is the most effective thing to do in this scenario? I feel bad for those who scored GA tickets and they're gone to waste now since it's such a crapshoot to even win those, who knows if they will ever again?

CM189191 said:

Ouch.
Anyone considered not canceling their plans?
Go check out NC for a few days. Talk to the people, I'm sure they're nice. Wear PJ shirts all day every day. Remind the citizens that elections have consequences. Take that poster board you were going to use at the show and maybe swing by the capital building and march around their lawn for a while.

I was heading down anyway to surprise my sister for her 40th b-day on Friday. It would have been cool, to take her to her first PJ show.

Proud to be a fan of this band today. Ashamed to be a part of this fan base. I get it. I would be upset too. We all look so forward to these shows. But the selfishness and childishness is ridiculous. The band is not punishing you. You are collateral damage. It sucks. It's just that the band thinks the civil rights of others are more important than your concert. End story. It's also unfortunate to see tough life lessons being learned about purchasing non-refundable rooms and flights to an event that can very much be cancelled. Hopefully this law gets fixed and someday they come back and make everyone happy.

rchallen said:

I love Charlotte, and I love North Carolina, and I hate the fact that a tiny hate-filled group has co-opted our government and currently holds the state hostage. They don't speak for us, and we will do everything in our power to vote them out come November.

Kudos to your entire post, particularly this.