Jason Oxenham/Getty ImagesSome of the biggest names in rock ‘n' roll are fighting back against the latest anti-LGBT laws in one of the most effective ways they know how: by refusing to perform in the states where the controversial legislation has been passed.
Pearl Jam is the most recent band to speak out and cancel an upcoming concert in the wake of North Carolina's HB2 law and the group posted the following message on their Instagram earlier today:
"The HB2 law that was recently passed is a despicable piece of legislation that encourages discrimination against an entire group of American citizens. The practical implications are expansive and its negative impact upon basic human rights profound."
The statement continued, "We want American to be a place where no one can be turned away from a business because of who they love or fired from their job for who they are. It is for this reason that we must take a stand against prejudice, along with other artists and businesses, and join those in North Carolina who are working to oppose HB2 and repair what is currently unacceptable."
Pearl Jam's news comes on the heels of Ringo Starr announcing he was cancelling an upcoming show in the same state, saying, "I'm sorry to disappoint my fans in the area, but we need to take a stand against this hatred. Spread peace and love," in a statement.
The rock band Boston also pulled the plug on a future show in North Carolina earlier this week, and the band's guitarist, Tom Scholz, took to Boston's Facebook page to express their disgust with the law:
"[HB2] has the appearance of an oppressive discriminatory law against a small minority, who already have to deal with a narrow-minded world regarding issues beyond their control which they did nothing to bring upon themselves. Other aspects of the new law arguably encourage bigotry."
To add to matters, The Boss himself who raised concern and disgust over the legislation last week.
Bruce Springsteen released a lengthy statement about why he decided it best to cancel his concert just days before it was scheduled to take place, saying, "North Carolina has just passed HB2, which the media are referring to as the ‘bathroom' law. HB2—known officially as the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act—dictates which bathrooms transgender people are permitted to use. Just as important, the law also attacks the rights of LGBT citizens to sue when their human rights are violated in the workplace. No other group of North Carolinians faces such a burden."
The Grammy winner concluded with perhaps the most profound point of all: "Some things are more important than a rock show and this fight against prejudice and bigotry—which is happening as I write — is one of them."