Brian Jonestown Massacre frontman Anton Newcombe made an overt rape comment directed at a rowdy fan during the band’s Sydney gig at The Metro Theatre — sullying what is their first Australian tour in three years.
Newcombe also reportedly called the audience “baboons”, blaming Sydney’s lock-out laws.
The tonedeaf remark came in the middle of a rant about Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.
“[Black Rebel Motorcycle Club] is also called The Elements and that’s a stupid fucking name,” Newcombe said.
“There’s another band called The Elements with a flyer outside the show. Whatever, you’re a dickhead. Your mum probably screamed like that when she was being raped and that’s how you were born.”
In light of the comment, a petition has been started to cancel all of The Brian Jonestown Massacre’s show at Melbourne’s Forum Theatre. At the time of writing, it has amassed over 100 signatures.
“In light of the horrific comments regarding sexual assault by Anton Newcombe at The Brian Jonestown Massacre show in Sydney last night, the Forum and Principal Entertainment should immediately cancel all upcoming BJM shows to protect all audience members from such abuse,” reads the petition.
“The ‘joke’ is horrific and this kind of behaviour cannot be tolerated and should not be by Principal Entertainment and The Forum.
“Show leadership and courage and take action on violence against women in all forms including those dismissed as jokes.”
You can watch Newcombe make the remark below.
Last night at the Metro, Anton Newcombe made a rape “joke” to a fan, went on a tirade against A Place To Bury Strangers and BRMC, insulted several of his band members, and called the audience “baboons”, blaming Sydney’s lock-out laws on that. pic.twitter.com/Jzb6QQnNGp
— Elena Wewer (@ElenaWewer) 9 June 2018
Meanwhile, Brian Jonestown fans are already reneging their support for the rock act.
Will never pay money to see Brian Jonestown Massacre again after Anton Newcombe made a rape joke on stage
— Ruby Wawn (@ruby_wawn) 9 June 2018
And so glad I didn’t bother going to the Byron Bay show. #BrianJonesTownMassacre https://t.co/wgCO2VfQLO
— Kim Honan (@kimhonan) 10 June 2018
