Machine Head has announced that they will not be joining tourmates Dethklok, All That Remains, and The Black Dahlia Murder at the House Of Blues in Orlando, FL on December 4. Why? Well as it turns out, Machine Head are still banned by Walt Disney from performing on their venue properties (including the House Of Blues) for “violent imagery,” “inflammatory lyrics” and for having “undesirable fans.”
For those who don’t remember what happened to Machine Head in Anaheim and Orlando back in 2007, we’ll let the band themselves remind you via their official statement:
“For the third time in a row, the corporate powers behind Walt Disney Properties have once again pressured promoter Live Nation into canceling Machine Head’s performance at a House of Blues venue on Disney property, this time the December 4th show in Orlando, FL. While no one is willing to provide evidence that would prove unfavorable to Disney, sources close to events have suggested that Machine Head remains on a ‘banned list,’ and while Dethklok, All That Remains and Black Dahlia Murder will still be allowed to play, the corporate powers at Disney have refused to allow Machine Head to perform.
In 2007, Walt Disney Properties banned Machine Head from the House Of Blues venues in both Anaheim and Orlando, citing ‘violent imagery,’ ‘inflammatory lyrics’ and most appallingly ‘undesirable fans’ as the reason. The diversity-impaired corporation began pressuring the promoter with vague threats of liability and reduced job security before placing Machine Head under an internal ‘review process.’ Five days later, Walt Disney Properties would convey their alarming decision to the band, less than 48 hours before the first date of 2007’s anti-war, anti-religion, anti-conservative-themed The Blackening album headline run at the House Of Blues in Anaheim, CA. A stunned Machine Head announced the details and disgust regarding the situation and let fans know of the then-rescheduled show 70 miles away at The Glass House in Pomona. In retaliation for that public announcement, Disney cancelled the band’s then-upcoming performance at the House Of Blues in Orlando, citing the same absurd reasons, though they would only publicly state that they had ‘changed musical formats’ at the venue.
Machine Head wish to once again extend their gratitude to Live Nation and the House Of Blues for their poise and tolerance throughout these ridiculous developments, unbelievably transpiring here in these United States Of America in this year 2012. As they are not on Disney property and therefore not subject to the corporation’s alleged coercionary tactics, the current dates with Dethklok, All That Remains and The Black Dahlia Murder at the Dallas and Houston House Of Blues will go on as scheduled. Unfortunately, Machine Head’s Florida performance will not be rescheduled in an effort to avoid creating any conflict with the existing dates on the tour. All refund requests will be honored.”
It’s absurd that metal bands are still getting banned from playing certain venues (Disney owned or not) over out-dated prejudices. However, Disney still allowing Dethklok to perform at the House Of Blues in Orlando apparently proves that while it’s ok to ejaculate fire, it’s not ok to let freedom ring with a shotgun blast.
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