TRURO, N.S. — Organizers of Truro’s upcoming Rock the Hub festival say representation of musicians across lines of race and gender, to reflect a diverse community, is well worth discussing and it’s a perspective they plan to incorporate into future decision making.
Wednesday evening, John WD Mullane, vocalist and guitarist with In Flight Safety, announced the band’s withdrawal from the Aug. 24-26 event on Facebook and Twitter, citing issues surrounding diversity with the recently announced lineup. Specifically, Mullane said he found himself apologizing to close friends and a tight-knit music community, “for another all-male (not to mention nearly all-white) lineup.”
Respectfully, I am withdrawing @InFlight_Safety from the 'Rock The Hub' Festival. I hope this gesture - however small - can help move the conversation forward about fostering more diversity on festival lineups. pic.twitter.com/ijont9ZTYT
— JoHn Mullane (@johnmullane) April 25, 2018
Mullane went on to say he hoped withdrawing In Flight Safety would held move the conversation forward.
“Maybe that same conversation will prompt more critical thinking in regards to diversity when booking concerts or festivals or performing at them,” he posted.
The move got the attention of the event’s organizers, who said they respect the band’s views.
“As small business owners of several live music venues,” the response read, in part, “we support musicians in a wide range of genres. We applaud those who choose the music industry and we will continue to support them in any way we can.”
It went on to say they were “open to examining our role in how we can best represent Canadian artists.”
“We appreciate the opportunity to reflect on the feedback, which will inform our current and future decision making.”
In his post, Mullane said he apologized to fans who had specifically bought tickets to see In Flight Safety, and the move was not meant to disrespect any other band performing on the bill.
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Rock the Hub is Aug. 24-26
The Rock the Hub festival, marking its second year, will take place in downtown Truro Aug. 24-26.
Performers taking part include Sloan, Big Wreck, I Mother Earth, Finger Eleven, The Motorleague, Matt Mays, Wintersleep, and Adam Baldwin.
Saturday, Aug. 26, also includes the B-Side Festival, with hip hop artists from across the country taking part.
Earlybird weekend passes recently sold out in 55 minutes. All other tickets go on sale May 1, and will be available at TicketPro, Salty Dog Brewing Company, The Nook and Cranny, Belly Up BBQ & Grill, and MacQuarries Pharmsave – Esplanade location.
