Unfortunately, the controversy of Taake’s upcoming North American tour continues. After finally resolving their visa issues after two years, the group have been faced with Antifa threats resulting in the cancellation of their scheduled NYC and Chicago shows (and potentially more) along with King Dude no longer supporting the run. While a similar incident happened last year with Marduk, it seems many people including those who are not familiar with the band are taking Antifa’s accusations very seriously. Now even artists unrelated to the tour are protesting performing at venues that booked Taake. Rapper Talib Kweli has cancelled his show at The Riot Room in Kansas City, MO due to the venue booking the Norwegian black metal outfit.
According to Pitchfork, Kweli stated the following:
“My position is that the venue should not want to host that band whether the band cancelled or not, and should issue an apology for even booking the band. The response I received was that the venue did not want to choose sides between a band that sympathizes with racism and bigotry and me. I think it’s time to choose a side. I find it appalling that the Riot Room refuses to apologize for booking this band. I wouldn’t feel safe bringing my team, family and fans into a venue that is sympathetic to white nationalism, so I’ve cancelled the show. It’s a shame because I was really looking forward to performing in Kansas City.”
Taake frontman Hoest has since denied these accusations, including stating it in our recent exclusive interview.
The band also made a public statement on this matter:
“Following the cancellation of the New York show by the venue, Hoest has issued the following statement:
“I have clearly explained many times throughout the years that me wearing a swastika once at a German concert was not at all meant to show support for the nazi ideology.
It was all about doing something extreme for the sake of it, which certainly backfired.
But it has now been 11 years and the band has even performed in Israel (!)
Anyway, similar incidents have not happened in Taake’s 25 year long career and will obviously not happen again. But certain parties seem to find this cold case unforgivable nevertheless, insisting on wilful misunderstanding.
So, once and for all, Taake is not a racist band. Never has been, never will be. Still claiming so is as ridiculous and unfounded as are the attempts at sabotaging our highly anticipated shows
-Hoest-”
Those who are unfamiliar with black metal music will most likely continue to support the rumors and accusations.
You can read a few of Kweli’s Tweets below:
If this “band” can’t get attention any other way than by pretending to be nazis then they’re a shitty, talentless band. If that’s what you’re into then you’re likely a shitty person.
— Gandalf the Pink (@RightCoastCool) February 21, 2018
If you pretend to be a nazi for “show” guess what imma call you? You nazi lovers are stupid AF. @beproudamerica @thatoastedone https://t.co/WiLlopkRoA
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) February 21, 2018
Read what you just wrote aloud. You contradicted yourself in your own tweet. Racists are DUMB. @beproudamerica @thatoastedone https://t.co/WiLlopkRoA
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) February 21, 2018
You’re a disgrace. @raularreola4 https://t.co/sRczZI8lnU
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) February 21, 2018
So ask the @riotroom why they chose anti Muslim, white nationalist band over me. You’re way too excusing of hate. Pathetic. @massagingmandi https://t.co/MAtVnrU1Mm
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) February 21, 2018
Y’all book white nationalist bands but want me to trust that I’ll be “greeted with love?” Wtf is wrong with you? @massagingmandi https://t.co/6RKpz5AZxu
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) February 21, 2018
No. Gang shit is not the same as Nazi shit. Not even close. Yes. You thinking all rap shit is “gang shit” is bitch shit. Bitch. @whiteteegod https://t.co/TT64vZH6vX
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) February 21, 2018
Not every Muslim is a hateful bigot. Most aren’t. Every Nazi is a hateful bigot. Every single one. What don’t you get? @johanvonslayer https://t.co/m9UvlsB0KC
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) February 21, 2018
does the song play that funky music white boy also offend you? Shut the fuck Up.
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) February 21, 2018
so black artists should be grateful that riot room let them perform even if they support bigotry?
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) February 21, 2018
right dude like “I respect your decision but I’m gonna cry in your mentions abt it for 12 hours”
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) February 21, 2018
