Following the announcement that Sticky Fingers will appear on the lineup, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard have decided to pull the plug on Bluesfest.
With Byron Bay Bluesfest set to go ahead this April 6 to 10, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard yesterday announced that they were dropping out of the festival’s lineup, citing the inclusion of controversial Australian band Sticky Fingers as the reason.
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In a statement posted to the band’s Instagram, King Gizzard explain that: “As a band and as human beings, we stand against misogyny, racism, transphobia and violence. Surprised and saddened to see Bluesfest commit to presenting content that is in complete opposition to these values.”
“Given this decision by the festival, we have decided to cancel our appearance at Bluesfest. We are deeply disappointed to be in this position but sometimes you need to be willing to make sacrifices to stand up for your values. This is, unfortunately, one of those moments.”
Fellow artist Jaguar Jonze commented “thank you for standing with us”.
Sticky Fingers have been at the heart of a number of controversies, including targeted sexism and racism, transphobia, violence and just all round bad behaviour.
After citing mental health issues and taking an indefinite hiatus in 2016 following the fallout after Thelma Plum alleged that lead singer Dylan Frost had physically threatened her, Sticky Fingers was announced as part of Byron Bay Bluesfest’s lineup last week.
With a tour of Europe on the horizon for Sticky Fingers, they are also set to perform at Bass in the Domain festival in Hobart this March.
Get tickets to KGLW at Northcote Theatre on February 25 by heading here.
