Music promoter denies supporting hate as gigs axed

A Kent music promoter says it does not "support hate" after drawing criticism for showcasing a US singer with far-right links.

Michale Graves, former vocalist with New Jersey punk band The Misfits, was due to tour the UK this month, but many dates were cancelled due to his affiliation with US far-right group The Proud Boys.

Margate-based Deadwave Records, which booked the gigs, explained that more than a dozen were axed by venues across England, Scotland and Wales "to avoid trouble" after "people protested against them".

Meanwhile, Graves has denied advocating "racism, violence or the exclusion of anyone based on race, religion, gender or identity".

A member of The Misfits between 1995 and 2000, Graves endorsed The Proud Boys - designated a terrorist body in both Canada and New Zealand - on social media in 2020.

He also testified in defence of several members when they were tried over the part they played in the storming of Washington's Capitol building on 6 January 2021 - an unsuccessful attempt to overturn President Donald Trump's defeat in the 2020 US election.

Graves' cancelled shows include London, Reading, Oxford, Bradford, Cardiff, Swansea, Aberdare, Glasgow, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Portsmouth, Stockport and Bournemouth.

Among those who have spoken out against Graves are five-piece group The Skate Punx, who were initially booked as one of his support acts.

"Punk is about inclusivity and giving everyone at gigs a safe space," they said.

"So we can't, in good conscience, share a stage with someone whose public affiliations and values stand in direct opposition to our own ethos."

Deadwave Records said they had received "lots of messages arguing about Graves", adding: "We don't support sides and we don't support hate - it's all about the music for us, not politics.

"A group of people protested against the tour and some of the venues decided to cancel to avoid trouble, which is understandable."

Posting on X, Graves said he was "very concerned" that staff at the affected venues had been "placed under significant pressure and distress" for "simply doing their jobs".

He added: "My shows have always been about music, connection and shared experience, with audiences from all cultures and walks of life who are welcomed and respected."

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