‘I cannot in good conscience perform’: Bryan Adams cancels gig
Canadian rocker and the man responsible for one of the greatest power ballads of all time, Bryan Adams, has announced that he is cancelling his upcoming concert in Mississippi due to the state's treatment of its LGBT citizens.
Taking to Instagram earlier this morning, the 56-year-old musician, who was due to perform on Thursday at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, explained that he did not feel comfortable performing in a state which denies some of its population 'their civil rights'.
Uploading a photograph of a rainbow, Bryan wrote: "Mississippi has passed anti-LGBT ‘Religious Liberty’ bill 1523. I find it incomprehensible that LGBT citizens are being discriminated against in the state of Mississippi."
"I cannot in good conscience perform in a State where certain people are being denied their civil rights due to their sexual orientation," he continued in a move which mimics Bruce Springsteen's decision to cancel his North Carolina gig.
Extending his support to his LGBT fans, the Run To You singer wrote: "Therefore i’m cancelling my 14 April show at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. Using my voice I stand in solidarity with all my LGBT friends to repeal this extremely discriminatory bill."
The multi award-winning star finished his post by offering some hope to fans disappointed by the star's decision, writing: "Hopefully Mississippi will right itself and I can come back and perform for all of my many fans. I look forward to that day. #stop1523"
Unsurprisingly, the singer has received a lot of support for his decision, with one Instagram user writing: "I'm so glad you are using your voice to stand up for the LGBT citizens – unbelievable in this day and age that this is still going on – thank you for making a stand."
The new laws, which are due to take effect on July 1st, will permit religious groups and private businesses from refusing service to members of the LGBT community.
