"We don't feel comfortable proceeding with the gig at this time" band reveal, in response to online petition set up by fans

This article is more than 6 years old

This article is more than 6 years old

Barenaked Ladies have cancelled a show at SeaWorld after viewing the Blackfish documentary.

The film, aired on CNN last month, features ex-trainers talking about SeaWorld's safety records and examines the three deaths which took place at the venue, as well as the treatment of the killer whales.

The band's drummer Tyler Stewart posted a tweet this week which suggested that the group would be "looking at options" after watching Blackfish, before launching the following message on Facebook:

"This is a complicated issue, and we don't claim to understand all of it, but we don't feel comfortable proceeding with the gig at this time," the Canadian band wrote.

"The Seaworld folks have been gracious, and extended us invitations to the park to learn more about what they do, and how they do it."

"We encourage anybody and everybody to get involved with a charity organization they feel passionate about."

Controversy surrounding the band's performance began last week, when fans launched an online petition requesting Barenaked Ladies cancel their performance at the Bands, Brew & BBQ event set to take place at the Orlando park on February 15, 2014. The petition, set up by fellow Canadian Mike Garrett, went on to gain more than 9,200 signatures by Wednesday afternoon.

While the act have now been deleted from the line-up, the SeaWorld website still bills a selection of artists for the Bands, Brew & BBQ event, including Willie Nelson and Cheap Trick.