Former Misfits frontman Michale Graves is within the eye of a storm after a wave of UK live performance cancellations tied to his previous far-right associations. Graves, who was within the iconic horror-punk band from 1995 to 2000 and featured on American Psycho (1997) and Well-known Monsters (1999), has seen venues from Bradford to Oxford drop his gigs amid protests.
The controversy stems from Graves‘ 2020 involvement with the Proud Boys, in addition to his presence in Washington D.C. on January 6, 2021, the place he performed a deliberate non-public social gathering for the far-right group. He later testified in protection of a number of contributors within the revolt.
In Worcester, councillor Neil Laurenson has overtly criticized the Marrs Bar for protecting Graves‘ present on the calendar (through Heavy Consequence), calling him a “fascist.” Laurenson urged the venue to observe the instance of different UK cities, stating: “It is extremely disappointing that the Marrs Bar has made the choice to not cancel the gig.
“Michale Graves has been cancelled throughout the UK, and I discover it embarrassing that Worcester continues to be on the gig record. I feel The Marrs Bar ought to cancel the Michale Graves gig, as different venues have completed in Bradford, Glasgow, Sheffield, Portsmouth, Swansea, Bournemouth, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Camden, Studying and Oxford.”
Laurenson doubled down on his criticism, citing Graves‘ help for the Proud Boys and a 2024 efficiency in Israel: “Michale Graves is a fascist. He helps the Proud Boys and carried out in Israel, a genocidal state, in July 2024. I feel it will ship a robust message that fascists should not welcome in Worcester if the gig was cancelled.”
In response, Graves posted a prolonged assertion on Instagram, defending his remaining European dates whereas addressing the cancellations: “Over the previous days, I’ve develop into conscious of an aggressive on-line marketing campaign of organizations and people targeted on my upcoming reveals in Europe.
“I respect that folks might maintain totally different opinions or select to not attend these reveals. I’m very involved that venues, workers members, and folks merely doing their jobs at the moment are being positioned beneath vital strain and misery and in some situations being threatened to easily present up at there [sic] job.
“I wish to be very clear: my reveals are about music, group, and shared ardour. I don’t promote violence, hatred, or hurt, and those that have attended my performances know that my focus has at all times been bringing individuals collectively by means of music. All are welcome. The stay music scene ought to stay a protected and inclusive house for everybody — artists, followers, venue workers, and native communities alike. Nobody ought to really feel unsafe or intimidated for taking part in or supporting stay music occasions.
“If my music will not be for you, I totally respect your selection to not attend. Nevertheless, I respectfully ask that disagreements stay peaceable and that the hardworking individuals behind these venues are handled with respect. I look ahead to performing for individuals who want to be there and sharing music in a constructive, protected and respectful surroundings.”
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