A series of UK performances by Michale Graves, the former frontman of the horror-punk band the Misfits, have faced cancellations and rejections from venues due to his publicly expressed support for the American far-right group, the Proud Boys. The controversy has led to venues in Wales, and now Sheffield, pulling shows scheduled for the singer.
The cancellations began in Wales, with gigs at The Bunkhouse in Swansea, Fuel Rock Club in Cardiff, and Jac’s in Aberdare either being cancelled outright or never formally booked. According to a statement from The Bunkhouse, a show proposed by an external promoter was rejected before it even made it onto their calendar. This initial wave of cancellations quickly expanded beyond Wales.
The decision to distance themselves from Graves stems from concerns over his political affiliations. , Graves reportedly described himself as a “proud Western chauvinist” and voiced support for the Proud Boys, a group known for its involvement in the storming of the US Capitol. Members of the Proud Boys have faced serious charges, including seditious conspiracy, following the attack, though some have since been pardoned by former President Donald Trump.
Evidence of Graves’ association with the group includes photographs showing him wearing Proud Boys clothing and public statements defending members arrested in connection with the Capitol riot. He also reportedly testified as a character witness for individuals charged with involvement in the events of that day. The Proud Boys have a documented history of violent street confrontations, misogynistic rhetoric, and anti-immigrant organizing.
The backlash isn’t limited to venues. Neil Laurensen, a Green councillor in Worcester, publicly criticized Graves and expressed his “shame” that a local venue, The Marrs Bar, was still scheduled to host him. Laurensen argued that Graves’ support for a group linked to violent insurrection was unacceptable. Despite Laurensen’s vocal opposition and a “polite request” to cancel, The Marrs Bar owner, Brian Marr, defended the decision to host Graves, stating that programming decisions are based solely on “musical merit and audience interest” and not on performers’ political views.
Graves himself has responded to the mounting opposition, expressing concern for the venues and staff members facing pressure as a result of his tour. In a statement on his website, he described the situation as an “aggressive online campaign” and emphasized that his shows are intended to be about “music, community, and shared passion.”
The situation highlights a growing trend of venues and promoters grappling with the ethical considerations of hosting artists with controversial political views. While some prioritize artistic freedom and audience access, others are choosing to take a stand against ideologies they deem harmful or dangerous. The cancellation of Graves’ shows in Wales and Sheffield, and the debate surrounding his performance in Worcester, demonstrate the complexities of navigating these issues in the current cultural climate.
The controversy extends beyond the UK, with similar scrutiny being applied to Graves’ performances elsewhere. While a show at The Underworld in Camden, London, was still scheduled as of , the cancellations in Wales and Sheffield suggest a broader pattern of resistance to his tour. The incident raises questions about the responsibility of venues and promoters to vet artists’ public statements and affiliations, and the potential consequences of platforming individuals associated with extremist groups.
The debate also touches on the boundaries of artistic expression and the extent to which an artist’s personal beliefs should influence audience perception of their work. For some, separating the art from the artist is possible, while others believe that supporting an artist with problematic views implicitly endorses those views. This ongoing tension is likely to continue shaping the landscape of the entertainment industry as venues and artists navigate increasingly polarized political landscapes.
The cancellations in Wales – at The Bunkhouse, Fuel Rock Club, and Jac’s – represent a clear message from those venues regarding their stance on supporting individuals linked to far-right extremism. The situation in Worcester, where The Marrs Bar is standing by its booking despite local opposition, illustrates the differing approaches venues are taking. The unfolding events surrounding Michale Graves’ UK tour serve as a case study in the challenges of balancing artistic freedom with ethical responsibility in the entertainment industry.
