San Francisco psych-rockers The Brian Jonestown Massacre are currently in the middle of a huge Australian tour, but their recent Sydney performance left a bad taste in the mouths of punters after the group’s frontman dropped a rather insensitive rape joke in the middle of their last night.
As Junkee reports, The Brian Jonestown Massacre descended upon Sydney’s Metro Theatre last night to deliver a normally beloved set of psych-rock. However, many fans weren’t too fond of the band’s onstage comments.
While speaking to the crowd between songs, frontman Anton Newcombe began touching on a wide range of topics, including Sydney’s lockout laws, and deriding bands such as A Place To Bury Strangers and The Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (who originally went by the name of The Elements) before complaining about the amount of fans screaming during his dialogue.
“All the people that are screaming, that’s how I missed everything in life, is because I screamed right throughout -,” began Newcombe before trailing off.
“Black Rebel Motorcycle Club is also called The Elements and that’s a stupid fucking name,” he continued. “In fact there’s another band called The Elements with a flyer outside the show. Whatever, you’re a dickhead. Your mom probably screamed like that when she was being raped and that’s how you were born.”
https://twitter.com/ElenaWewer/status/1005598385175293953
As can be seen in the above video, while some fans applauded the ‘edgy’ humour on display, many others booed loudly in disapproval of the tasteless joke.
A handful of fans also took to Twitter to express their discomfort in regards to Newcombe’s comments, noting that this will be the last time they pay money to see the rocker perform.
Will never pay money to see Brian Jonestown Massacre again after Anton Newcombe made a rape joke on stage
— Ruby Wawn (@ruby_wawn) June 9, 2018
Alarming. I saw a whole lot of other young women walking out (I’m not as young – I am closer to the band’s vintage!_. I reported it to the bar staff, and was literally shaking with rage. I imagine for a certain kind of gullible fan it was “that’s just Anton”. Fk dat.
— Louise D’Arcens (@LDArcens) June 10, 2018
I’m deeply disappointed and disgusted in him, and am never seeing the Brian Jonestown Massacre again (last night was my second time). Absolutely inexcusable behaviour. I took so many notes and videos because I was in disbelief and needed proof to show friends and fellow fans.
— Elena Wewer (@ElenaWewer) June 9, 2018
While no information has been confirmed in regards to this show, it appears there could be a chance that the gig will now attract a few less fans following the onstage behaviour of Anton Newcombe last night.
If you need assistance, 1800 RESPECT – the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service – can be reached on 1800 737 732. For help or information regarding mental health, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
