10 times Matty Healy wasn’t afraid to stand up for his beliefs

The 1975, and particularly the band’s frontman Matty Healy, aren’t shy about standing up for what they believe in. The band continuously use their music to spread a message about topics such as politics, climate change, mental health and more. 

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Healy himself has been known for pulling stunts onstage and saying things in interviews that align with his outlook. We’ve rounded up 10 times Healy wasn’t afraid to stand up for his beliefs in a major way. You can check those out below. 

1. When he promised the 1975 would only play gender-inclusive shows

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In February, Healy announced that the band will no longer be playing festivals where the lineup doesn’t have equal gender representation. Healy has spoken about misogyny in the music industry in the past, and this was a major way for the 1975 to act as an ally to other acts. 

2. When he gave an intense speech about reproductive rights

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Healy railed against the abortion ban and advocated for women’s rights by giving a passionate speech during the band’s performance in Alabama last year. “The reason I’m so angry is because I don’t believe [the ban] is about the preservation of life. I believe it’s about the controlling of women,” Healy says from the stage at Hangout Music Festival. Fans praised him for speaking out, especially at a show in the state where the ban was effective. 

3. When he protested anti-LGBT laws in Dubai by kissing a male fan

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Healy protested Dubai’s anti-LGBTQ laws by kissing a male fan during a gig in the Arab state. While the band played “Loving Someone,” he left the stage to kiss a male fan on the lips. 

Read more: Matty Healy performs in hospital gown with the 1975 after health issues

4. When the band addressed mental health with “Frail State Of Mind”

This past October, the 1975 dropped “Frail State Of Mind,” which tackles anxiety. Healy spoke about the Notes On A Conditional Form track after it dropped, saying the band went inward for the song because they were frightened. 

5. When they partnered with teen climate activist Greta Thunberg 

The band released a self-titled track featuring Swedish teen climate activist Greta Thunberg, which was the perfect pairing considering Healy and the band are relentless supporters of climate change activism. They also endorsed a campaign that’s fighting for emergency climate change action.

Read more: Matty Healy wants to sing one of the 1975’s songs in Simlish

6. When Healy declared that he felt like he was “in one of the only punk bands in the world”

Last August, Healy gave an interview where he expressed that he’d “go to jail” for his beliefs, which included standing up for women, gay people and minorities. He also said he feels “like [he’s] in one of the only punk bands in the world.” 

7. When he spoke about misogyny in the music industry during an award speech

At the 2019 BRIT Awards, Healy addressed “male misogynist acts” in the music industry when he accepted the 1975’s award for Best British Group. He was inspired by a piece from The Guardian about allegations against Ryan Adams. 

Read more: Matty Healy wants audio of “hurtful thing[s]” said about fans for new song

8. When Healy called out bands for making music without a message

Healy made some comments about Imagine Dragons for lacking a message in their music and their frontman’s response to some negativity. “My point wasn’t that Imagine Dragons aren’t good. I don’t care,” Healy says. “If you’re that big, if you’re the biggest alternative band in America radio-play wise, and you’re saying nothing in your music—if you’re just saying words ‘radioactive whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa,’ you know what I mean—it’s just like, what’s the point?”

9. When the band showed their support for LGBT youth

In 2017, the 1975 partnered with the It Gets Better project, a nonprofit geared toward empowering LGBTQ+ youth. The band created a hoodie inspired by their anthem “Loving Someone” to raise funds for the project. 

10. When they supported Planned Parenthood

The 1975 joined dozens of other artists in a protest conceived by Planned Parenthood to fight against restrictive abortion laws. It was part of the organization’s plans to call fans to action at music festivals.