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Rock

Scowl Withdraws from Welcome To Rockville Festival Over US Army Sponsorship

Scowl has made the decision to withdraw from the upcoming Welcome To Rockville Festival, citing the event’s sponsorship by the US Army as the reason behind their departure. This announcement follows the band’s earlier withdrawal from SXSW last month for similar sponsorship reasons.

Taking to their social media accounts yesterday (April 2), the Californian hardcore band confirmed their decision not to perform at this year’s Welcome To Rockville Festival in Daytona Beach, FL due to the US Army’s sponsorship of the event.

The hard rock and metal festival, scheduled to take place in Daytona Beach, Florida from May 9-12 this year, boasts an impressive lineup including headliners like Foo Fighters, Slipknot, Motley Crue, and Limp Bizkit, alongside acts such as Judas Priest, Greta Van Fleet, Queens of the Stone Age, and many more. However, Scowl’s departure underscores their commitment to their principles regarding sponsorship affiliations.

Scowl’s stance against the US Army’s sponsorship extends beyond Welcome To Rockville Festival. Last month, they were among the first bands to withdraw from SXSW due to the same sponsorship connection. Their decision was motivated by a protest against what they perceive as complicity in the face of injustice, particularly concerning the situation in Palestine.

Scowl‘s withdrawal from SXSW prompted a chain reaction, with numerous other artists, including Gruff Rhys, Kneecap, Sprints, Soda Blonde, and more, following suit. Every Irish act scheduled to perform at SXSW also withdrew from the event, highlighting a unified stance against sponsorship ties with entities involved in the manufacturing and supply of weapons.

In response to the withdrawals, SXSW released a statement emphasizing their commitment to diverse viewpoints and free speech, while also addressing their sponsorship arrangements with the US Army and other entities. Despite the controversy, SXSW maintains its dedication to supporting human rights for all and acknowledges the tragic circumstances surrounding conflicts in the Middle East.

Scowl’s principled stance against sponsorship affiliations reflects a growing trend within the music industry, where artists are increasingly vocal about aligning themselves with brands and organizations that align with their values. As debates surrounding sponsorship and ethics continue to unfold, Scowl’s actions serve as a reminder of the power of artists to enact change and advocate for causes they believe in.