At the Good Vibes Festival held in Kuala Lumpur in July, Matt Healy, lead singer of The 1975, made a powerful speech about homosexuality, despite it being illegal in Malaysia. He even went on to kiss bassist Ross MacDonald on stage, making a statement in support of LGBTQ+ rights. Unfortunately, this action resulted in the band being banned from continuing their set, causing the three-day event to be canceled. Headliners, including The Kid Laroi and The Strokes, were unable to perform as planned.
In response, Future Sound Asia (FSA), the organizers of the festival, issued a statement announcing that they have sent a letter of claim to The 1975, demanding that they take responsibility for the damages incurred and compensate FSA accordingly. They have also warned that if the band fails to address this issue, legal proceedings in English courts will be initiated.
FSA expressed their strong disapproval of The 1975’s behavior during their performance at the festival. They criticized lead singer Matthew Timothy Healy for his use of abusive language, damaging equipment, and engaging in indecent stage behavior. These actions not only violated local guidelines and Malaysian laws but also tarnished the festival’s reputation, which has been established for over a decade.
Moreover, FSA stated that the cancellation of the festival caused significant financial losses for them and negatively impacted local artists and businesses that rely on the festival’s success. This, in turn, has affected the livelihoods of many Malaysians. It is also alleged that The 1975 violated their agreement with FSA.
Despite the controversy, FSA emphasized their commitment to providing vibrant live music experiences in Malaysia while complying with local laws and regulations. They value the trust placed in them by fans and regulatory authorities and strive to maintain that trust.
In a video circulated on social media, Healy expressed his intention to withdraw from the show, as he believed it was unfair to invite his band to a country and then dictate who they can have relationships with. However, he ultimately decided to perform at the festival, not wanting to disappoint fans. Healy acknowledged that the band’s performance might not consist of uplifting songs, as he was furious about the situation. He also recognized the young, progressive, and LGBTQ+ individuals in the audience, highlighting their support.
Healy then walked off stage briefly before returning to announce that they had been banned from Kuala Lumpur, bidding the audience farewell.
Last month, the Malaysian Ministry of Communications and Digital instructed the Good Vibes Festival to cancel The 1975’s performance due to the “controversial conduct and remarks” made by Healy. This action led to The 1975 canceling subsequent tour dates in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Taiwan. The band’s future in Southeast Asia remains uncertain.
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