In the wreckage left behind by the Indiana State Government and Gov. Mike Pence after passing the Indiana Religious Freedom Act, one diamond shines bright, Wilco has decided to cancel their show at the Murat Theatre in Indianapolis, scheduled for May 7th. The band took to social media to spread their political views that fueled this decision, stating that the law “feels like thinly disguised legal discrimination.” Wilco also expressed their interest in playing in Indiana, but only after the law is repealed.
Although many fans are disappointed in the band’s decision to boycott playing the state of Indiana, many fans are also commending the band in their bold political statement and their unwavering support for the LGBT community. Actor and comedian Nick Offerman of Parks and Recreation fame, has also cancelled a performance he had booked in Indiana in May, sighting a similar stance on the subject as a cause.
Many other celebrities and artists have voiced their opinions on the passage of this law that could give businesses and citizens the right to discriminate against people or groups that could “substantially burden” their religious beliefs. While artists like Wilco and Offerman choose to boycott performances in the state, other artists such as Audra McDonald plan to donate performance proceeds to organizations fighting for the repeal of the law.
Wilco informed ticket holders that their purchase could be refunded at the point of purchase. While Wilco may be letting a lot of fans in the Midwest down following this decision, they are ultimately standing up for their beliefs and expressing those beliefs in a meaningful manner, which is what rock stars are supposed to do. If there is any other medium more persuading than music, I have yet to find it and bands making statements like this have the potential to truly make a difference.