UPDATE: Sticky Fingers Withdraw From This That Festival’s 2018 Lineup, Following Backlash
ORIGINAL STORY: Newcastle’s This That festival has been criticised by some music fans, after booking controversial Sydney band Sticky Fingers on its 2018 lineup.
Some gig-goers weren’t happy to see the band’s name on the This That lineup, following recent controversies surrounding bassist Paddy Cornwall — who threatened Indigenous musician Thelma Plum in a lengthy tirade in May — and frontman Dylan Frost, who released his “final” statement regarding allegations of racism and violence in April.
Shortly after This That announced its 2018 lineup, comments appeared on social media criticising the festival’s decision to host Sticky Fingers:
This That Festival needs to read the fucking room. How could you possibly book a band with an abusive, violent frontman at this moment in time? The people behind that decision can get absolutely fucked.
— Mitch Feltscheer (@mitchfel) June 26, 2018
https://twitter.com/isabellaamoore/status/1011454651919503360
https://twitter.com/Theunderlook/status/1011429457675018240
fuck sticky fingers, fuck this that, and fuck anyone who continues to support that grubby band
— dani pls (@liamsluke) June 26, 2018
https://twitter.com/SaraTamimMusic/status/1011445847865716736
can sticky fingers just stop. period. and can festivals just stop putting sticky fingers on their lineups. thank u in advance.
— rhi (@helloitsrhi) June 26, 2018
I’m so sad, this festival brings acts to Newy that otherwise wouldn’t come and some of my absolute favourite artists are on there but I also don’t wanna support a festival that is tone deaf and can’t even back themselves as to why they’ve made this decision. It’s a copout.
— Gabs (@Gxbriellemxry) June 26, 2018
Announcing their new roster earlier today, This That organisers issued a statement to Music Feeds about Sticky Fingers’ inclusion on the bill, saying:
“The This That team do not condone abuse and strive to create a safe and welcoming space for all those attending the festival.
“The team is aware of the rumours and allegations surrounding recent behaviour of some of the members of the band Sticky Fingers.”
While there has been some criticism of the festival’s decision (and statement), some Sticky Fingers fans have celebrated the band’s place on the lineup.
This That festival has declined to comment further. Music Feeds has contacted Sticky Fingers for comment.
This That is the second Australian festival to host Sticky Fingers since their controversial return to music following a 12-month hiatus.
The band performed a surprise set at Sydney’s Bad Friday festival in March, with festival organisers later defending their decision to host the band.
Check out the rest of this year’s This That festival lineup right here.
