Low Cut Connie, a rock band hailing from Philadelphia, has found itself at the center of a political storm after its performance at the "Rocking the River" festival in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was abruptly canceled.
On Monday, frontman Adam Weiner took to social media to express his dismay, revealing that the festival promoters had deemed the band's show too controversial for this Friday's lineup. “For the first time ever, my show has been canceled for ‘political’ reasons,” he stated on Facebook, emphasizing that Low Cut Connie's performances are anything but polarizing.
The festival, known for being a free event suitable for all ages, has replaced Low Cut Connie with an AC/DC tribute band. Weiner described the decision as “so disappointing and upsetting” in a video message to fans.
“Why did they cancel the show?” he questioned. “They won’t tell us, but they have indicated they are canceling my show for political reasons.” Weiner elaborated on his commitment to diversity during performances, asserting that it is a core value of the band. “Diversity and inclusion should not be dirty words,” he declared.
He speculated that the cancellation might be linked to the band's protest song “Livin' in the USA,” released in May. The track addresses the current climate of fear and unease in America, particularly in light of controversial ICE raids. “These actions are absolutely inhumane and anti-American,” Weiner remarked.
Labeling the promoter's decision as “cowardly,” he lamented the lost opportunity for a vibrant show. He drew parallels between his situation and that of late-night host Stephen Colbert, whose show faced cancellation recently due to his progressive views. “Artists like myself are losing work because of our principles, just like Stephen Colbert,” he noted.
A spokesperson for Luzerne County responded to the controversy, stating, “Our goal is to have a place where we can enjoy music, food, promote our community, have fun, be safe and free of politics and propaganda.”
This is not the first time Low Cut Connie has faced backlash; earlier this year, they withdrew from a scheduled performance at the Kennedy Center in protest against President Donald Trump’s influence over the venue.
