Pearl Jam is the latest musical act to cancel a show in North Carolina over a controversial state law that bans transgender people from using the bathroom or locker room of their choice.
The band released a statement on its website explaining why it canceled its Wednesday show show in Raleigh.
“The HB2 law that was recently passed is a despicable piece of legislation that encourages discrimination against an entire group of American citizens,” the statement reads. “The practical implications are expansive and its negative impact upon basic human rights is profound. We want America 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.” The law not only replaced an anti-discrimination ordinance, but also specified that North Carolina residents can only use the bathroom or locker room of their birth genders.
Pearl Jam lead singer Eddie Vedder explained the band’s choice to opt out of performing in the Tar Heel State during the band’s concert Monday night in Hampton, Va.
“We thought we could take the money and give it to them and still play the show, but the reality is there is nothing like the immense power of boycotting and putting a strain,” Vedder said. “It’s a shame because people are going to be affected that don’t deserve it, but it could be the way that ultimately is going to affect change, so again, we just couldn’t find it in ourselves in good conscience to cross a picket line when there was a movement.”
He further apologized to the North Carolinians who will not get to see the band play, but maintained that it was the right thing to do.
“We apologize to those in Raleigh, we apologize to those who are going to Raleigh, we apologize to the locals who probably believe in the same things that we do,” Vedder said. “They have a reason to be pissed, and we’re pissed off too. But we got to be pissed off at the right people and get them to change their minds because they made a mistake, a big mistake, and they can fix it.”
Following his speech, Vedder dedicated a performance of Steven van Zandt’s “I Am a Patriot” to the “soldiers in the LGBT community.” Van Zandt has publicly condemned a religious liberty law in Mississippi.
Pearl Jam is following musicians such as Bruce Springsteen, who canceled a concert in Greensboro earlier this month. Jimmy Buffett didn’t cancel his upcoming Raleigh or Charlotte shows, but he did imply he would not play in North Carolina again until the law is repealed.
Other entertainment giants also have backed out of their North Carolina commitments. “Wicked” producer Stephen Schwartz denied the state rights to his shows, the NBA is considering taking the 2017 All-Star Game away from Charlotte, and Cirque Du Soleil canceled its upcoming Tar Heel State shows.
