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The 1975 ‘banned from Malaysia’ after protesting anti-LGBTQ+ laws and Matty Healy kisses bandmate live on stage

'I do not see the point of inviting The 1975 to a country and then telling us who we can have sex with.'

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 24th July 2023

The 1975 were seemingly banned from Malaysia live on-stage after protests over the country’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws last week, the band has claimed.

Good Vibes Festival in Kuala Lumpur was unfortunately cancelled after the headliners showed their solidarity with the nation’s pride community and frontman Matty Healy delivered an extensive rant against Malaysia’s stance, as well as kissing bassist Ross MacDonald on stage.

Following the defiant display and a short break in the performance, Healy returned to the stage to inform the audience, “Alright, we gotta go, we just got banned from Kuala Lumpur. I’ll see you later”.

Stating that they had been ordered to leave the stage by officials, they swiftly ended their set and the festival was subsequently cut short on Saturday despite there still being a day of music and thousands of attendees.

A five-star reply, right there.

Explaining their decision to play the show in federal territory and anti-LGBTQ+ country in the first place, Healy told the audience, “When we were booking shows, I wasn’t looking into it… I’m not in the f***ing mood anymore…

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“I don’t see the f***ing point, right—I do not see the point of inviting The 1975 to a country and then telling us who we can have sex with.

“Unfortunately you don’t get a set of loads of uplifting songs because I’m f***ing furious, and that’s not fair on you because you’re not representative of your government. Because you’re young people, and I’m sure a lot of you are gay and progressive and cool.”

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You can see his speech and the lengthy snog down below:

@suejean i was waiting for the guitar riff to come on the entire time #the1975 #mattyhealy1975 ♬ original sound – ૮(-‘ 𖥦 ‘-)ა

Speaking to the BBC, Wan Alman — the entertainment director at Future Sound Asia (the organisers behind the festival) — said, “I think it’s very easy for him [Healy] to fly in and do whatever he wants to do, and then just fly out without having to face or take accountability for any consequences for his actions.

“Meanwhile the ones who suffered implications are his fans here because his set was cut short, the festival organisers and, you know, I think the industry as a whole.” He also stated that the company was assured the band would adhere to the country’s guidelines

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Replying on behalf of Wilmslow group, who are yet to issue a statement on the incident, a source said: “Matty has a long-time record of advocating for the LGBTQ+ community and the band wanted to stand up for their LGBTQ+ fans and community.”

He is the moment The 1975 were “banned from Kuala Lumpur” and potentially Malaysia at large:

@findingtrixie Matty was not in the mood tonight. Set got cut roughly 20min into their set. The videos I have from tonight 😳 #malaysia #the1975update #the1975 #the1975liveinkl #goodvibesfestival ♬ original sound – Trixie Tang

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For context, homosexuality is illegal in Malaysia and punishable by 20 years in prison, with those persecuted often flogged in public

Healy has made a habit of kissing bandmates and fans on the band’s current tour, so the behaviour hardly comes as a surprise. The Malaysian government is yet to confirm whether The 1975 has officially been banned from the Kuala Lumpur and/or the country in general.

On the other hand, he has also been wrapped up in plenty more controversy of late too after he was accused of sexist and racist remarks on a podcast by fellow performer Rina Sawayama.

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Nevertheless, the 34-year-old has received a lot of praise from members of the LGBTQ+ community worldwide as a result of the protests but has still upset much of Malaysia and the Islamic faith.

It goes without saying that we stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.

https://twitter.com/swiftygarden/status/1683292873410891777?s=20

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Featured Image — Sue Jean/Trixie Trang (via TikTok)/Lila (via YouTube)

Audio

Manchester band Westside Cowboy release ‘thrilling’ debut album that critics are calling one of the year’s best

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

One of the UK’s best rising bands have released their debut album today to glowing reviews from critics and fans alike.

AND they’re from Manchester… sort of.

Jimmy Bradbury, Reuben Haycocks, Aoife Anson O’Connell, and Paddy Murphy – better known together as Westside Cowboy – formed back in 2023 when they were students at the Royal Northern College of Music, so while they may not all be from Manchester, they definitely have the spirit of our city at the heart of everything they do.

After playing in different bands across the city throughout their student years, the four-piece joined forces to create Westside Cowboy – an indie rock collective credited with self-coining the genre of ‘Britainicana’.

Put simply, Britainicana is a cultural concept that mixes the hazy, mythic feel of American country and folk, with the sound of raw British punk, indie rock, and small-town life.

Westside Cowboy have released their debut album, It Goes On / Credit: Clementine Schniedermann (Press Shots – Supplied)

If that sounds like your cup of tea, then you’ll be pleased to know that Westside Cowboy have released their debut album, It Goes On, to the world today (21 August).

And the reception from critics, arguably, couldn’t be better.

We’re talking four-star and five-star reviews from some major music publications, including the likes of heavy-hitters Rolling Stone UK, NME, Clash Magazine, DIY Magazine, Far Out Magazine, and Stereogum, among plenty others.

Prior to the release of their debut album, the band had released two EPs, including So Much Country ‘Till We Get There in January earlier this year, and had started to make a name for themselves with their popular debut single ‘I’ve Never Met Anyone I Thought I Could Really Love (Until I Met You)’ in 2024.

They went onto make even further waves when they supported equally-rising American rock band Geese on their UK and Irish tour back in March – with many fans calling it one of the best support and main act combinations in some time.

Three singles from their debut album were shared with the world ahead of its release – ‘Kick Stones (The Boys)’ came first, followed by ‘Pin Up Boys’ and ‘Dobro’.

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So, it’s fair to say the anticipation for album was high… and if the reviews are anything to go by (which we think they are), it looks like the band has very much delivered what they set out to achieve.

Westside Cowboy’s debut album It Goes On is now available to stream, or you can purchase a physical copy in a range of formats from their website here.

Take a listen👇

Featured Image – Press Shot (Supplied)

Audio

BBC Introducing LIVE is back with events across the North for grassroots music artists

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Live music venue

BBC Introducing’s flagship live event will return with a huge lineup of activities for aspiring musicians and music creators this autumn.

To celebrate and champion undiscovered talent across the country, BBC Introducing LIVE will include an array of live performances, immersive workshops, educational panels, and networking opportunities for grassroots artists, DJs, and music creators, all at the start of their careers.

Introducing LIVE will head across the UK, including hosting four special gigs in Leeds and a songwriting camp in Manchester.

The BBC Introducing Songwriting Camp is an invite-only event offering an ‘unparalleled’ experience for artists and creatives to develop skills and collaborate with industry professionals in a real music studio.

Then, on Saturday 28 November, BBC Introducing will host four showcases across Leeds, celebrating some of the best new music from across the UK – with independent music venues The Wardrobe, Belgrave Music Hall, and Oporto all taking part.

While up in Sunderland, following the success of BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend there earlier this year, a special takeover event will take place at The Fire Station – with a day of panels, workshops, open mics, and an industry feedback centre planned, all designed to support and inspire the next generation of musicians and music industry professionals.

Other northern cities hosting events during this year’s programme are Gateshead, and major music city Liverpool.

Many successful artists, including the North’s very-own Sam Fender, as well as big names like Ed Sheeran, Raye, Olivia Dean, and Loyle Carner, all began their careers with support from BBC Introducing.

“Championing and nurturing artists and creatives is at heart of everything BBC Introducing does, and so I’m excited that Introducing LIVE will be returning in November for our biggest year yet,” commented Kelly Betts, who is the Editor of BBC Introducing.

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“BBC Introducing will be at events, panels, and gigs across the UK giving emerging talent the opportunity to learn from industry experts, make music and connect with fellow artists.

“Music has the power to unite, inspire, and shape our culture and BBC Introducing’s flagship event will help some of the UK’s rising stars on their journey to achieve this.”

Featured Image – Rahul Kukreja (via Unsplash)

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