A heated controversy has emerged in Worcester as Marr’s Bar, a Midland music venue, refuses to cancel an upcoming gig featuring Michale Graves, the former singer of the punk band Misfits, who has been linked to the US far-right group Proud Boys.
The performance is scheduled for Friday, February 20. Last year, Graves faced cancellations at several venues across the United States due to his association with the Proud Boys, prompting similar backlash in the UK.
Green Party councillor Neil Laurenson publicly called on Marr’s Bar to cancel the event, citing concerns over Graves’ political affiliations. However, the venue’s owner, Brian Maher, rejected the demand, stating that it was inappropriate for a councillor to exert pressure on a private business.
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In a detailed statement posted on Facebook, Marr’s Bar emphasized their mission to support “creativity, diversity, and free artistic expression.” The venue affirmed that their booking decisions are based solely on musical merit and audience interest, not on performers’ political views or affiliations.
The statement read: “We recently received an email from a local councillor, sent from an official government account, urging us to cancel a forthcoming performance. While we respect the right of any individual to express personal opinions, it is not appropriate for an elected official to use their position or official channels to pressure a private venue to cancel a lawful event.”
Marr’s Bar reiterated its commitment to remaining apolitical, stating, “Our role is to provide a platform for live music, not to act as an arbiter of political ideology. Audiences are free to decide which events they wish to attend, and that freedom is essential to maintaining an open and vibrant cultural scene.”
Councillor Laurenson expressed disappointment at Marr’s Bar’s decision, highlighting the precedent of cancellations across several UK cities including Bradford, Glasgow, Sheffield, and more. He commented, “It’s incredibly disappointing Marr’s Bar has made the decision not to cancel the gig. Michale Graves has been cancelled across the UK, and I find it embarrassing Worcester is still on the gig list.”
The dispute underscores ongoing tensions between artistic freedom and political accountability within the live music industry.