Pearl Jam has joined the growing list of entertainers to cancel a concert in North Carolina after the state passed the controversial House Bill 2 on March 23.
The group was scheduled to play PNC Arena in Raleigh on Wednesday but announced on Monday “with deep consideration and much regret that we must cancel the Raleigh show.”
The statement acknowledged “this will be upsetting to those who have tickets and you can be assured that we are equally frustrated by the situation. The HB2 law that was recently passed is a despicable piece of legislation that encourages discrimination against an entire group of American citizens.”
The band announced it had communicated with local groups and would be “providing them with funds to help facilitate progress on this issue.”
Pearl Jam was joined by Boston in canceling shows on Monday. Boston was scheduled to play in Cary, Greensboro and Charlotte but cancelled all of the performances.
Read the full statement from Pearl Jam below:
It is with deep consideration and much regret that we must cancel the Raleigh show in North Carolina on April 20th.
This will be upsetting to those who have tickets and you can be assured that we are equally frustrated by the situation.
The HB2 law that was recently passed is a despicable piece of legislation that encourages discrimination against an entire group of American citizens. The practical implications are expansive and its negative impact upon basic human rights is profound. We want America to be a place where no one can be turned away from a business because of who they love or fired from their job for who they are.
It is for this reason that we must take a stand against prejudice, along with other artists and businesses, and join those in North Carolina who are working to oppose HB2 and repair what is currently unacceptable.
We have communicated with local groups and will be providing them with funds to help facilitate progress on this issue.
In the meantime we will be watching with hope and waiting in line for a time when we can return.
Perhaps even celebrate.
With immense gratitude for your understanding,
Pearl Jam
Comments on Chapelboro are moderated according to our Community Guidelines