Band that verbally abused crowd member at Warped Tour release statement, defend actions
The Dickies, who played a select run of dates on the 2017 Warped Tour, have been called out for their unacceptable behavior on stage—and have, in turn, responded with a statement on Facebook.
A short video that was posted to Twitter shows frontman Leonard Graves Phillips using derogatory speech to directly call out a member of the crowd:
I didn't think this was still allowed at @VansWarpedTour pic.twitter.com/VcVsZl93aH
— Netflix Origanal (@thechubbywubby) June 26, 2017
Fans and bands across the scene have spoken out against the band’s inappropriate behavior, including Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman, who confirmed that they are not on the tour anymore:
Nah, the dickies can get fucked https://t.co/oW9CtdrcwL
— webbæ (@chrismilkteeth) June 28, 2017
This music scene can stand for more than expression and fun. It can stand for equality and justice. Proud to stand with @SaferScenes2017.
— Garrett Russell (@SilentGarrett) June 26, 2017
If you have the privilege of being on a stage NEVER use that to make someone feel unsafe. That's a disgusting and pathetic move for cowards.
— Garrett Russell (@SilentGarrett) June 26, 2017
There's a bunch of context to all of this, but I've been asked to keep this DL for now. Nothing but love for those fighting for equality.
— Garrett Russell (@SilentGarrett) June 26, 2017
As long as you aren't harassing one person like the dude from the Dickies did, say whatever silly things you like ��♀️
— Garrett Russell (@SilentGarrett) June 26, 2017
They are not on the tour anymore
— KevinLyman (@KevinLyman) June 28, 2017
Read more: Forthcoming Warped Tour date canceled: “We were completely blind-sided”
The band has since responded in an extended Facebook post defending their actions:
While doing our show a handful of people took it upon themselves to express their ire with my routine–a routine that includes apish antics, a penis puppet, and often ends with me saying, “You're a great looking bunch of kids. We'd love to go down on each and every one of you but we just don't have the time.”
Apparently this group thought I meant it literally as they were holding a sign on the side of the stage (which was then thrown at me) that read:
“Our teenage girls don’t need to be subjected to derogatory jokes by a disgusting old man” “Punk isn’t predatory”…
I wasn’t there to “prey” on anyone’s child. In all honesty, as fine as most of my audiences are, I'll pass on having oral sex with each and every one of them.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to affix my groovy new “I *heart* Beaver” magnet (that I picked up in Beaver, Colorado) to the refrigerator and listen to “Beat On The Brat” by The Ramones. If some of you kids haven’t heard of them yet, check 'em out! They’re pretty cool.
Read their statement in full here.
The band were scheduled to play Warped Tour June 16 – 22, as well as June 24 and 25, though the incident took place on the band's last day on the tour.
He said worse too. Waiting for permission from the affected party to post the video. Dude is a coward who knew it's his last day at warped
— Garrett Russell (@SilentGarrett) June 26, 2017
Safer Scenes are currently out on Warped Tour all summer long, working to make the tour a safer space for fans.
What should have happened:
1 The sound people could have cut his mic
2 The security people should have looked out for the target of the mob https://t.co/ytR2xwrSzi— Safer Scenes (@SaferScenes2017) June 29, 2017
Another good way to keep misogynist rants off your stages: don't book artists that have attacked women fans, don't book misogynist bands. https://t.co/hlUSbM7bwP
— Safer Scenes (@SaferScenes2017) June 29, 2017
Safer Scenes' aim is to prevent sexual violence on tour and support young people across America and everyone invested in creating safer scenes in their communities. If you'd like to support their work on Warped, consider donating to their Gofundme here.
