(Photo Credit: Sharon Alagna)
Death Cab for Cutie and Chvrches announced Friday through a press release that scheduled tour dates in North Carolina will not be canceled, but will instead be held as benefit shows for two LGBTQ-related non-profit organizations. This comes in the wake of statewide concert cancellations due to North Carolina’s passage of the controversial House Bill 2.
The two bands will play together on June 11th in Charlotte, while Death Cab for Cutie will play without Chvrches on June 6th in Ashville. All proceeds will be donated to the Freedom Center for Social Justice and to Southerners on New Ground. Both organizations exist to support LGTBQ communities within the American South. Death Cab for Cutie’s Ben Gibbard said his band will not schedule future tour dates in North Carolina until HB2 is revoked.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce these shows in Asheville and Charlotte will be our last in North Carolina as long as HB2 stands,” Gibbard said. “We sincerely hope we won’t have to wait long to come back.”
The key provision of North Carolina’s Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act, often known as “House Bill 2” or “HB2” eliminates previous anti-discrimination legislation and mandates individuals use restrooms and changing rooms corresponding with the sex on their birth certificate. Bruce Springsteen became the first artist to officially cancel a show due to HB2’s perceived discriminatory actions. Groups such as Pearl Jam, Mumford and Sons, Duran Duran, and Maroon 5 have followed suit.
Death Cab and Chvurches decided to honor their performance commitments after a period of deliberation. They said while they will perform, they “whole-heartedly” support artists who have decided to cancel concerts within the state. Concert funds will be donated to the aforementioned organizations based on their commitment to protection against LGBTQ discrimination.
Throughout the press release, Death Cab for Cutie and Chvrches denounced HB2.
“We are appalled by how Governor Pat McCrory and his conservative cronies have stoked the flames of fear around an undocumented, non-issue (i.e., sexual predators posing as transgender for the purpose of molesting children) as a way to not only discriminate against transgender persons but also to undermine the constitutional rights of North Carolina’s entire LGBT community,” they said.
Chvrches’ Lauren Mayberry believes the positives of performing in North Carolina will outweigh the initial concerns
“We are incredibly distressed by HB2 and all that has been happening in North Carolina, but are also heartened to hear about so many people fighting to create positive change,” Mayberry said. “I know that our fans will join us and Death Cab in promoting equality, empathy and understanding between people, and we are proud to be supporting Freedom Center for Social Justice and Southerners On New Ground at this show.”
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