Duran Duran will go ahead with their gig in North Carolina this weekend, despite their opposition to the state’s new anti-gay ‘bathroom law’.
This week, several prominent artists – including Bruce Springsteen and Ringo Starr – have cancelled concerts in the state to take a stance against the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act, which decides which toilet a transgender person can use.
Duran Duran have confirmed they will play the PNC Music Pavilion on Saturday night (16.04.16) in a bid to highlight a petition against the law.
The group – Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor and Roger Taylor – issued a statement to fans via their official website, which read: "With respect to the current storm which is howling through this State, we considered cancelling our show on Saturday, but decided to go ahead, both for the sake of our fans and to support those in North Carolina who feel as strongly as we do about this issue. We see this as an opportunity to make the following statement.
"Yes here it is again, just plain old fashioned prejudice, fear and oppression, the same old kind that’s blighted the human race, in varying degrees, for all of its history. Duran Duran is opposed to bigotry and discrimination in all of its ugly forms, and so it follows that we are opposed to the basic premise of HB2.
"We support the rights of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender community, to have equal opportunities. We support their rights to live free, happy, fulfilled lives. If you live in this State and feel the same way, we urge you to register, so that you can vote; so that your voice can be heard.
"We urge you to sign this petition which will be presented at the General Assembly meeting on April 25th in North Carolina. You have the power to repeal this outdated and cruel legislation. (sic)"
Duran Duran will be supported at the show by their long-time collaborator, Chic legend Nile Rodgers.
Pop icon and LGBT activist Cyndi Lauper confirmed earlier this week that she will also go ahead with her June 4 show in North Carolina and has promised to donate the proceeds to Equity North Carolina – the largest LGBT rights and equality group in the state.
Other stars due to perform in North Carolina in the coming months include, Justin Bieber, Dolly Parton, Babyface, Lauryn Hill, R. Kelly and Weird Al.