Byron Bluesfest pageant director Peter Noble has declared the controversy surrounding Sticky Fingers a “witch-hunt” amid the second artist pulling out of the line-up.
Sampa The Great pulled out of Bluesfest on Wednesday, simply days after widespread Band King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard cancelled their efficiency.
Outrage has adopted the favored pageant after it was introduced that controversial Sydney band Sticky Fingers could be part of the line-up for the pageant in Byron bay in April.
In an e-mail despatched to ticket holders on Wednesday – seen by the NCA NewsWire – Mr Noble “doubled down” on his resolution to maintain Sticky Fingers on the line-up of the pageant.
“I question why there is such an ongoing witch-hunt toward a man with a mental health disorder,” Mr Noble mentioned.
“A man who is attempting to grow and function in society.”
The band member in query is frontman Dylan Frost who has introduced in recent times that he was recognized with bipolar schizophrenia.
Mr Noble has boiled his resolution right down to “inclusivity” saying he desires to assist artists.
“I hoped it didn’t need to be said, but unfortunately, it does. We at Bluesfest stand for something: inclusivity,” he mentioned.
“We want to support artists who are achieving greatness, which often involves overcoming incredible hurdles.”
Mr Noble requested his ticket holders to coach themselves on “facts” relating to Sticky Fingers and went on to say they’ve “taken ownership of their situation”.
“They aren’t monsters; they are a seriously great Australian band whose singer has had to overcome barriers that would have sidelined all but the most determined to continue to perform.
“Yes, he has transgressed in the past, but not for many years.
“Shouldn’t we forgive and provide a path to redemption for artists who have taken ownership of their situation and have proven for many years now that they have found a way to function responsibly?
“Is Australia the only place in the world where a minority attempts to ban one of Australia’s great bands over something that happened so many years ago?
“I want to thank the vast majority of the music industry for supporting inclusivity. Make us proud, Dylan; you are doing great!”
Two days in the past, Mr Noble made an announcement saying he didn’t endorse Frost’s actions.
“It has been suggested that because of the listing of Sticky Fingers, Bluesfest and I endorsed the lead singer‘s ancient troubled behaviour,” he mentioned.
Byron Bay BluesFest didn’t need to remark additional when contacted by NCA NewsWire.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
