CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The band Boston has canceled three North Carolina shows, including one in Charlotte, over the recent passage of House Bill 2. Β The band posted the following statement on their Facebook page:
BOSTON CANCELS 3 MAY NORTH CAROLINA SHOWS FROM THEIR TOUR
While the enjoyment of our fans is our central concern, and we have been looking forward to celebrating forty years of history performing for our listeners in North Carolina with spectacular live shows this spring, human rights are more important. It is with deep regret, that I must announce the cancellation of our upcoming shows on May 4, 5 & 6 in Charlotte, Greensboro, and Raleigh in order to raise awareness, and protest in the strongest terms, the recent passage of HB2, the so called βNorth Carolina bathroom law.”
HB2 has the appearance of an oppressive discriminatory law against a small minority, who already have to deal with a narrow-minded world regarding issues beyond their control which they did nothing to bring upon themselves. Other aspects of the new law arguably encourage bigotry. With thousands of fans in attendance at our shows, it is likely that some members of our audience and/or their loved ones are affected on a daily basis by this ugly expression of intolerance.
My sincere apologies to our fans who have already made arrangements to attend these shows. The removal of the shows from our schedule is a major disappointment. It has always been my wish to inspire people with BOSTON’s music. Hopefully the sacrifices we are all making here will inspire people to do the right thing in the future. We look forward to the day that the state government of North Carolina will come to its senses and treat ALL individuals with equal freedom in their pursuit of happiness here in the United States.
~ Tom Scholz
Tickets refunded at point of purchase. Tickets purchased online or by phone will be automatically refunded.
Boston joins Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr and Cirque du Soleil, each who have all canceled North Carolina shows.
Other musicals and bands have released statements in reference to their disapproval of House Bill 2 but decided to not cancel their North Carolina tour stops. Β See what each band had to say about HB2 by clicking HERE.
