Upcoming gig makes councillor 'ashamed' for city

9 hours ago

Elliott Webb,BBC Hereford & Worcesterand

Elliot Ball,West Midlands

News image — Green Party councillor Neil Laurensen said he was "ashamed" of Worcester

BBC A man, wearing a grey jumper over a white shirt, is sitting at a desk. He has turned to the side to smile at the camera. There is a laptop on the desk and his hands are resting on the keyboard. He has short brown hair and is wearing rectangular framed glasses. — Green Party councillor Neil Laurensen said he was "ashamed" of Worcester

A councillor has said he is "embarrassed" and "ashamed" of Worcester after a music venue in the city refused his "polite request" to cancel an upcoming gig.

Neil Laurensen, a Green councillor in the city, criticised artist Michale Graves for allegedly supporting American far-right group, the Proud Boys.

But Graves, due to play at The Marrs Bar on Friday, described calls for his show to be cancelled as an "aggressive online campaign".

Venue owner Brian Marr said: "Our programming decisions are based solely on musical merit and audience interest. We do not assess or filter performers on the basis of their alleged political views or affiliations."

Laurenson told BBC Hereford & Worcester: "Michale Graves supports the Proud Boys, which is a far-right group in America.

"He was prepared to give testimony to members of that group, who stormed the US Capitol in January 2021.

"So this is a chap who's quite happy to support violent insurrection."

The Green councillor said: "Silence is complicity. I'm not going to be quiet," before adding: "Unfortunately, I will never set foot in [The Marrs Bar] ever again.

"I'm embarrassed, I'm ashamed for Worcester."

'All are welcome'

Graves, best known as the lead vocalist of the horror punk band Misfits, has been scheduled to perform in Worcester on Friday.

In a statement on his website he said he was concerned for venues and staff members in light of the negativity towards his UK shows.

"I am very concerned that venues, staff members, and people simply doing their jobs are now being placed under significant pressure and distress, and in some instances being threatened to simply show up at their job," the American said.

"I want to be very clear: My shows are about music, community, and shared passion.

"I do not promote violence, hatred, or harm, and those who have attended my performances know that my focus has always been bringing people together through music. All are welcome."

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