Matthew Healy, frontman of The 1975, publicly opposed Malaysia’s homophobic laws and shared a 20-second kiss with band’s bassist, Ross MacDonald, during their main performance at the Good Vibes Festival. This move led the event organizers to abruptly end their set, and the festival’s remaining two days were cancelled by the authorities. Addressing the crowd in Kuala Lumpur, Healy voiced his frustration about the infringement on personal liberties, alluding to sexual autonomy. He provocatively declared, “If you invite me to perform and then restrict me, it’s not acceptable. Ban me, take my money, but remember, I’ve faced this before and it’s not pleasant, and I’m thoroughly irritated.”
Following the abrupt end of their performance, Healy announced, “Okay, we’ve been banned from Kuala Lumpur. See you.” The festival’s official cancellation was announced by Malaysia’s Ministry of Communications and Digital on the afternoon of July 22.
In Malaysia, homosexuality is considered a crime, punishable by up to 20 years in prison. A source close to The 1975 stated that “Matty has a consistent history of supporting the LGBTQ+ community and the band intended to show their solidarity with their LGBTQ+ fans and the community at large.”
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Event organizers Future Sounds Asia expressed their concern in a statement reported by Billboard, stating that this abrupt cancellation “may undermine the trust of music promoters and various participants in the nation’s live entertainment industry, potentially destabilizing our thriving live arts scene.” The Kid Laroi and the Strokes were supposed to headline the second and third days of the festival.
The 1975 is next set to headline the We the Festival in Jakarta, Indonesia, tomorrow.
The 1975’s Matty Healy: Outspoken, Engaged, and Offline
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Matthew Healy LGBTQ+ Protest
What did Matthew Healy do at the Good Vibes Festival in Malaysia?
Matthew Healy, lead singer of The 1975, kissed his bandmate Ross MacDonald on stage as an act of protest against homophobic laws in Malaysia. This led to the organizers pulling the band’s set and the cancellation of the remaining two days of the festival by the authorities.
What was Matthew Healy’s response to the set being pulled?
Matthew Healy expressed his frustration over the curtailing of personal liberties, specifically sexual autonomy, in Malaysia. After the set was cut short, he stated they had been banned from Kuala Lumpur, displaying his discontent about the situation.
What are the consequences for homosexuality in Malaysia?
In Malaysia, homosexuality is illegal and is potentially punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
What were the repercussions of this event on the live arts scene in Malaysia?
The abrupt cancellation of the Good Vibes Festival could potentially undermine the trust of music promoters and other stakeholders in Malaysia’s live entertainment industry, thereby posing a threat to the country’s thriving live arts scene.
Who were the other artists set to perform at the Good Vibes Festival?
The Kid Laroi and the Strokes were scheduled to headline the second and third days of the festival.
What is the next scheduled performance for The 1975?
The 1975 are next scheduled to headline the We the Festival in Jakarta, Indonesia.
More about Matthew Healy LGBTQ+ Protest
- The 1975 Official Website
- Good Vibes Festival
- LGBTQ+ Rights in Malaysia
- Matthew Healy’s Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Rights
4 comments
Hope this doesn’t affect the live music scene in Malaysia in the long run. Bands and fans both need live gigs, especially after the past few years!
Wow, respect to Matty Healy! Standin up for what he believes in, even in the face of cancellation…Thats rock n roll!!
Cant believe they cancelled the whole festival, that’s nuts! Feel bad for the other bands who were gonna perform.
So frustrating that we’re still dealing with homophobia in 2023 🙁 We need more artists like The 1975 to use their platforms for good.