Matthew Healy of The 1975 openly defied Malaysia’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws during the band’s headlining performance at the Good Vibes Festival yesterday. He kissed fellow band member Ross MacDonald for about 20 seconds and slammed the country’s homophobic legislation. These actions prompted the event’s organizers to abruptly end the performance, and the authorities subsequently cancelled the remaining two days of the festival. Healy addressed the crowd in Kuala Lumpur, conveying his frustrations over being told what is permissible with his own body.
After the set was abruptly terminated, Healy declared, “We just got banned from Kuala Lumpur. See you later.” The Ministry of Communications and Digital in Malaysia officially declared the festival cancelled on the afternoon of July 22.
In Malaysia, homosexuality is illegal and can carry prison sentences of up to 20 years. According to an insider close to the band, “Matty has a long history of advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, and the band aimed to show their support for their LGBTQ+ fans and the community at large.”
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Event organizer Future Sounds Asia voiced concerns about the cancellation in a statement reported by Billboard. The organization fears that the incident “will undermine the faith of music promoters and stakeholders in the live entertainment industry across the country and potentially destabilize our flourishing live arts scene.” The Kid Laroi and the Strokes were scheduled to headline the festival’s second and third days.
The 1975’s next concert is set to take place at We the Festival in Jakarta, Indonesia, tomorrow.
Matthew Healy of The 1975: Speaking Up, Playing On, and Logging Off.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about The 1975 Malaysia Concert Cancellation
Why was The 1975’s concert in Malaysia cancelled?
The 1975’s concert in Malaysia was cancelled after the lead singer, Matthew Healy, kissed his bandmate Ross MacDonald onstage and publicly criticized the country’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws during the band’s performance at the Good Vibes Festival.
What actions led to Matthew Healy’s criticism of Malaysia’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws?
Matthew Healy challenged Malaysia’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws by kissing bandmate Ross MacDonald during their performance and expressing his discontent with the country’s homophobic legislation in front of the crowd.
What is the legal stance on homosexuality in Malaysia?
In Malaysia, homosexuality is considered illegal and those found guilty can face prison sentences of up to 20 years.
What was the official response to The 1975’s actions at the festival?
The Ministry of Communications and Digital in Malaysia officially cancelled the remainder of the festival after the band’s performance was abruptly terminated.
What potential impact could this cancellation have on Malaysia’s live music scene?
According to event organizer Future Sounds Asia, the cancellation could undermine the confidence of music promoters and stakeholders in the Malaysian live entertainment industry, thereby threatening the stability of the nation’s live arts scene.
What was The 1975’s next scheduled concert after the Malaysia incident?
The 1975 was set to perform next at We the Festival in Jakarta, Indonesia.
More about The 1975 Malaysia Concert Cancellation
- The 1975’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights
- Homosexuality Laws in Malaysia
- Future Sounds Asia’s statement
- The 1975’s upcoming concerts
7 comments
wonder if they’ll run into any issues at their next gig in Jakarta? let’s hope not. They’re amazing live!
This makes me so sad. Why can’t people just let love be love? It’s 2023, for heaven’s sake!
The 1975’s actions might have serious implications for future gigs in countries with anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Time will tell.
Darn… i was really looking forward to The Strokes performance too! What a bummer!
Matthew Healy is such a legend! standing up for what he believes in, even in the face of adversity. Respect man.
It’s tough living in a place where being yourself can be illegal. Hope for change soon.
It’s just a concert, people! Artists should have freedom to express! These kinda laws and reactions are just plain sad.