After Malaysia furore, The 1975 abruptly cancels Jakarta, Taipei shows

British band says ‘current circumstances’ make it impossible to proceed with the scheduled performances

KUALA LUMPUR – The 1975 will not perform their scheduled performances in Jakarta and Taipei, after sparking anger in Malaysia with band frontman Matty Healy’s tirade against the government over its anti-LGBTQ+ laws.

The British group was expected to perform in Jakarta tonight at the We The Fest festival and in Taipei on July 25.

We The Fest’s organiser on Twitter this morning announced the group’s pullout, posting a statement by The 1975.

“The band never takes the decision to cancel a show lightly and had been eagerly looking forward to playing for fans in Jakarta and Taipei but unfortunately, due to current circumstances, it is impossible to proceed with the scheduled shows,” the group’s statement said.

Healy, during his Friday night performance at the Good Vibes Festival in Sepang, condemned the Malaysian government in an expletive-laden speech for its stance against homosexuality, before kissing a male bandmate. He also had a bottle of whisky with him on stage.

The Communications and Digital Ministry cancelled the remanding festival days while police began an investigation into the band for violating local laws.

Social media users, meanwhile, are slamming Healy, with some accusing him of jeopardising LGBTQ+ advocacy work here. Others are also debating whether the government’s move to cancel the rest of the festival was proportionate to the band’s offence, given that other local artists and vendors’ income have now been affected.

– The Vibes, July 23, 2023