From left; Dan Mathews kisses his husband Jack Ryan on stage in Raleigh as Alex Ebert looks on; Photo courtesy of Pawel Malyszko.
Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros show how to do a concert in NC without compromising your principles.
Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros considered canceling a concert scheduled in Raleigh, N.C. on Friday, but ultimately decided the show must go on — to make a statement.
The indie band was torn over whether to play in North Carolina in light of the state’s sweeping anti-LGBT law known as House Bill 2, which requires trans people to use bathrooms that do not correspond with their gender identity, rescinds all LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination ordinances, and bars residents for suing for discrimination in state court.
“HB 2 was passed by an immoral minority – North Carolina has many thriving, creative, modern communities,” lead singer Alex Ebert said in a statement reported by Rolling Stone. “We were tempted to cancel the show, but decided at the last minute to rally the crowd instead by renewing the vows of our good friends onstage.”
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“Then Jack, and Daniel,” continued Ebert. “I now pronounce you: Jack Daniels.”
I teared up. *sniff* What a gesture, on so many levels!
So did I. That’s a great example of how to be effectively subversive.
That was great.
May their relationship never turn to wrong kind of sour mash!