Controversial American hip-hop outfit Odd Future will take the stage at this year’s Big Day Out, despite canceled appearances in other major cities.
Last year, Auckland City Council called off the band’s performance in Auckland after receiving complaints from LGBTI lobby groups. They claimed the band’s lyrics were hateful and homophobic.
One New Zealand resident, Calum Bennachie, wrote to Big Day Out organisers with his concerns.
“By allowing Odd Future to play at BDO, you are proving that you have little concern for the lives and welfare of LGBT people, that you are willing to endanger their lives, and seek to encourage stigmatisation against them.”
Band frontman Tyler, The Creator has denied accusations his lyrics are homophobic.
“I’m not homophobic,” he told NME magazine.
“I just think ‘faggot’ hits and hurts people. It hits. And ‘gay’ just means you’re stupid. I don’t know, we don’t think about it, we’re just kids. We don’t think about that shit. But I don’t hate gay people. I don’t want anyone to think I’m homophobic.” Odd Future’s rise to the top has been met with equal parts praise and contempt.
They have been labelled the future of hip hop for attracting a massive cult of followers and selling out shows around the world. The band has also reaped music awards, the latest being frontman, Tyler’s, VMA for Best New Artist.
But they have also been criticised for depicting scenes of sexual violence against women and using the word “faggot” in their lyrics, gaining a reputation of being homophobic and misogynistic.
Big Day Out organisers have been quick to stress the Auckland cancellation does not affect the Sydney performance.
Festival organiser Ken West wrote: “This does not affect Australia. Last time they played for the government at Vivid!”
This is not the first time a performance has been pulled from the Big Day Out schedule. In 2010, Beanie Man was pulled from the lineup after groups voiced similar concerns.
By Kieran Adair
