Barenaked Ladies Cancel SeaWorld Performance After Watching 'Blackfish'

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When a fan of Grammy-nominated pop rock band, Barenaked Ladies, heard that the band was scheduled to make an appearance at SeaWorld in February 2014, he started a petition, asking the band to reconsider the performance and learn more about orcas in captivity. Mike Garrett, a longtime fan from St. Catharines, Canada, started the petition on Change.org and wrote: “In light of all the horrific information we’re learning about places like Seaworld and Marineland. I’m hoping to grab the band’s attention on this issue and ask them, on behalf of all their animal-loving fans, to reconsider performing there.” Garrett linked to the documentary, “Blackfish,” at the bottom of the petition.

With nearly 12,000 signatures, the petition was successful in getting the band’s attention. BNL’s drummer, Tyler Stewart, watched the film and tweeted that the band was “looking into options” regarding the performance. Then on November 27th, the band posted on Facebook that the SeaWorld gig was off.

“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 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 here at Barenaked Ladies have made a decision based on what we feel. It’s not about money, or petitions, or press… But it is about our fans. We listen to them, and they’re important to us. Their sensibilities resonate with ours, and have for decades now… Ultimately though, we made the decision that WE feel good about. Thanks for all of your support. We’ll see you all at a mutually agreeable concert venue in the near future!”

Barenaked Ladies are currently on tour promoting their newest album, “Grinning Streak.” Check them out at a “mutually agreeable concert venue” near you.

Photo credit: Paul McKinnon / Shutterstock.com

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