It was performative because he’s literally a fucking performer. Like, that’s what he does for a living, that’s what his talent is. He’s not an activist, he’s not a political organizer. I think it’s pretty clear from *waves hand at previous 112 pages of this thread* that Matty isn’t exactly someone I’d want within five city blocks of an organizing or communications role with any political or social cause/org/etc I care about. People can say it could have been timed better politically, people can say it’s performative, hell people can say he just did it to regain some cachet from the podcast thing, and in an Asian country (although I do not think this is true at all). It doesn’t fucking matter and I don’t care. I prefer to think about what this would mean to me if I was a queer teenager living in Kuala Lumpur and I think it would probably mean a hell of a lot, even if I don’t give a shit about this band. Sure you’re bummed if you’re in the crowd but it’s not like the band refused to play after that (although surely they knew what would happen). Saying it “didn’t help the local queer community one bit” just cannot be correct considering that the queer community is composed of queer people, some of whom might feel a little more seen today than they did last week. Just because dude didn’t manage to get the anti-LGBTQ+ law repealed in his 12 hrs in the country doesn’t mean it was totally counterproductive or something, cmon There is just zero part of this that isn’t a powerful show of support for the queer community in Malaysia and other places like that that criminalize homosexuality, full stop. And people who live and vote in the parts of the world that actually have some kind of power to pressure governments like that one to make changes are absolutely more aware of how inhumanely queer people are treated in Malaysia etc today than they were a week ago. I’m not Malaysian, I’m not queer, and I’m not even like a huge fan of the band (first two albums and the singles since go hard but I haven’t listened to the newest one yet). But this is kind of a no brainer to me.
It sucks that they cancelled the Taiwan show. It’s the one Asian country that passed same-sex marriage, has a transgender and non-binary member in the top executive cabinet, and no one here really gives a damn if you’re queer. It’s all live and let live. You’re treated the same as everyone else regardless of gender or orientation. Oh well, maybe next time they make their way to this part of the world. Looks like I’ll just go to bed early tomorrow.
That or Matty is just pissed. I could see Indonesia giving them a warning after Malaysia so that could have been in consideration as well. After Malaysia ended half way and the likelihood of Indonesia not entirely being cool with it, flying to perform in Taiwan could have become difficult. Hopefully a reschedule happens because people were ecstatic when the show was announced. So many artists just pretend Taiwan doesn’t exist and many of the fans here felt like they were finally being recognized when The 1975 announced their first show. Cancellation a few days before the show is to take place is brutal from the pov of fans who have waited and prepared - many of which are young and look up to these guys. Maybe they’ll get the message but some are just feeling like one of their favorite bands has forgotten them again. I hope Matty makes the distinction between Taiwan and Malaysia and a future show is planned soon.
Not to burst your bubble but they've donated a sum in the 5 figure area to help open an LGBTQ+ facility in London that provides resources for the community. I feel like his outspoken concern time and time again and contributions are way more effort put forward than your average artist of their size would do. Protest is never pretty but it should be welcomed in all ways. This is probably the most main stream this kind of news has ever gotten about Malaysia and their laws and it's because of him lol.
Yo I think we agree haha apologies if my post was unclear/a goddamn novel My point in first paragraph is that Matty approaches things in a way that could be counterproductive if he was a full time activist but he’s not, and I think using the platform you do have in the way that you can is what matters
i mean considering all this - no-one picked up on the played 28 live for the second time ever as The 1975?
like I’m sorry but a whole lot of criticisms I’m seeing even from the activists is that westerners need to respect their customs which when it comes to anti LGBTQ laws I simply do not agree with
"Unfortunately, local activists are now having to deal with the fall-out and the potential policies and restrictions that might come from it," said Dhia Rezki, an activist with Kuala Lumpur-based support group JEJAKA. Sounds like actual LGBT Malaysians are upset about what he did. And tbf, it was an actual Malaysian with the “white savior” quote.
What was the calling out of Muse thing? For whatever it's worth, Muse have always seemingly been good with adjusting whatever is necessary to play whichever country (I believe they dropped "Resistance" when they played China few years back).
Interesting to see Matty see when there is no line between the art and the artist. Seems like he grew to detest Caveh a bit, as Caveh really didn’t have a good reason to be airing his ex-wife’s personal laundry on the air also Caveh was absolutely blasted lol
Publicly broadcasts his divorce to spite his wife and then includes his (creepily young) girlfriend in this film against her wishes. Seems like an awful bloke. Wondered if he was having some sort of introspective moment while being stoned and castigated by Matty but clearly not lol