I Killed The Prom Queen removed from festival lineup following controversy

I Killed The Prom Queen removed from festival lineup following controversy

[Photo by: I Killed The Prom Queen/Facebook]

It has been announced that I Killed The Prom Queen will no longer be playing the UNIFY Gathering festival.

Read more: Ben Gibbard says emo was mostly “pop-punkers who heard ‘Pinkerton'”

It was recently reported that I Killed The Prom Queen would be getting the original lineup together for a one-off show at the UNIFY festival in Australia.

Soon after the band's return to the stage was announced, many fans reacted to the news on social media, with many mentioning past sexist comments about women in the music industry made by frontman, Michael Crafter.

Once receiving the backlash, it was revealed by the festival that due to Crafter's past comments, they would no longer be playing the one-off set.

You can read the full statement below:

"Today UNIFY Gathering has made the decision, with the backing of band members, to remove I Killed The Prom Queen from the lineup for Unify Gathering 2019.

We made this decision because historical comments made on social media by former member Michael Crafter, who was to re-appear as guest singer of I Killed the Prom Queen for their one-off 2004 nostalgia set. These comments fall well short of today’s community standards and were considered deeply offensive to many people within our music community.

These comments are completely unacceptable and contrary to our deeply held values and beliefs that music is for everyone and to be enjoyed by all.

We want to create a culture of positive change within the music industry and it’s our responsibility to call out unacceptable behaviour wherever we see it.

UNIFY is committed to ensuring a safe place for anyone and everyone who wants to enjoy music. This is why we jointly launched the ‘Your Choice’ initiative, aimed at addressing cultural issues and harmful behaviour within the music festival landscape.

On reflection, we acknowledge that Michael Crafter shouldn't have been chosen to appear at Unify Gathering 2019. We'd like to acknowledge that the members of the band have been really open and helpful in this conversation, and we wish them the best moving forward."

Soon after the festival's statement on the matter, Crafter then took to social media to share his own statement:
"Two years ago and plenty of time years previously, I said a lot of dumb stuff online to troll, cause drama and bait people to piss them off. Things I said then are not a reflection of who I am today, as two years is a long time."
He then continued to say:
"I completely understand why people are pissed off, and I am sorry and I really regret it. I want women to succeed in music, my daughter included if that’s the path she chooses. I’m massive on being positive and pushing yourself and think my life nowadays is a reflection on that."

UNIFY Gathering information:

Underoath, In Hearts Wake, The Plot In You, Trophy Eyes, State Champs, and more are still set to play the 2019 UNIFY Gathering.

Plus, Taking Back Sunday are set to play 2002 album Tell All Your Friends in full on the festival.

The festival will take place Jan. 11, 12 and 13, 2019 in Tarwin Lower, Victoria, Australia. You can grab tickets and check out more information here.

Filed Under: i killed the prom queen, michael crafter, statement, unify gathering festival
Categories: News
Back To Top