Earth’s show at Bologna venue TPO last night (January 27) didn’t go ahead because Dylan Carlson, the band’s frontman and sole permanent member, reportedly objected to the display of a Palestinian flag at the side of the stage.
As Stereogum reports, the venue reportedly refused to remove the flag, which had been on display since a two-day event, O Re o Libertà, this past weekend, which brought together different activist groups to hold panel discussions – TPO hosts cultural events, as well as music gigs.
Posting a photo from last night’s show, Instagram user @zang_tumb_tuumb wrote in Italian: “Dylan Carlson, upon seeing the flag, asked for it to be removed. The TPO (Occupied Multipurpose Theatre) preferred to cancel the concert and lose the evening’s revenue (which is not insignificant for a social centre) rather than turn a blind eye to the ongoing genocide. From tonight, I can add Dylan Carlson to the list of those people who have produced great art, but without possessing equally great humanity.”
Another attendee of the gig, X user @adumanlio, shared a similar report in Italian, writing: “Stage was ready and everything. They were supposed to start at 9:30 pm. At 10:15 pm, someone from TPO came out saying that Carlson, the singer, wouldn’t perform unless they removed the Palestinian flag. TPO said ‘we’re not taking it down’ and they cancelled everything.”
Writing last night, Earth’s Instagram page said: “Apologies to the folks in Bologna. TPO put politics above music and have cancelled the show tonight. It has nothing to do with us or [promoter] Freakout Club.”
Earth were supported by Nataša Grujović and Steve Moore, the latter of whom plays in Earth, at the gig, and it appears their sets did go ahead before the band’s headline set was cancelled.
Issuing an onstage announcement to gathered attendees of the gig, figures from TPO reportedly told people that they would cover refunds, but added: “It is a decisive political choice for spaces like ours, which just a few days ago hosted more than 700 people to discuss how to send this government we’re facing home, and all the kings of the world who make war in this damn world.” They also reportedly led those in attendance in a chant of “Free Palestine”.
Earth’s European tour is set to continue tonight (January 28) with another Italian show at Circolo Magnolia in Segrate.
