Ever heard of the metalcore band The Amity Affliction? Me neither, but thanks to Trump Derangement Syndrome we get to learn about all kinds of terrible musical acts from around the globe. Apparently the Australian group has a strict policy that people cannot support the President of the United States at their shows on their US tour. The band stopped the show in Las Vegas over the weekend to yell at a guy wearing a pro-Trump shirt.
Unfortunately I couldn’t find any video of this ridiculous stunt, but The Amity Affliction’s singer Joel Birch defended his actions at band’s Saturday Las Vegas gig:
What I said tonight was much more balanced than I could have been, and wanted to be. Just like I wouldn’t wear an atheist tee to church, I expect people to exercise a certain decorum when attending our shows. Music has forever been a safe haven for me, and I want our shows to be
— Joel Birch (@JoelDTD) January 6, 2019
So it is “balanced” to stop a show and yell at a guy because he has different political point of view? Also, atheism to church is different than pro-Trump to shitty metalcore band.
A safe haven for others. These shows are no different to church; we sing together, we pour our hearts out, we use it as an escape from the reality of our everyday lives, and it brings us together. Wearing a jersey that you KNOW will be divisive is exactly the opposite
— Joel Birch (@JoelDTD) January 6, 2019
Then the singer went straight to comparing this Trump supporter to a Nazi:
Of what I stand for as a person. I do not respect your “beliefs.” I do not feel like you have the right to make others uncomfortable by wearing a jersey that may as well be branded with a swastika. I will not remain silent if you come to our shows dressed like that.
— Joel Birch (@JoelDTD) January 6, 2019
This singer is the one telling people what they are and aren’t allowed to think, so maybe he’s the fascist not a guy who supports his President.
You can believe whatever you want to believe while you are outside the venue, but don’t you DARE bring your negative energy inside to intimidate and cause discomfort to others. I wish you didn’t like our band. I wish you hadn’t come to the show. I wish you could see the hurt
— Joel Birch (@JoelDTD) January 6, 2019
How dare an Australian tell an American that he isn’t allowed to support the American President in America. Take that shit back to the Land Down Under and f*ck off while you’re at it.
You inflict on those around you from ethnic backgrounds, people of colour, Latinos, Hispanics, cholos, and open minded people who do not espouse your racist garbage. I love Amity fans, they give us this unique and beautiful opportunity to play music, but I WILL NOT stand for
— Joel Birch (@JoelDTD) January 6, 2019
Isn’t “cholo” kind of a slur? Now who’s the close-minded one?
People jeopardizing the happiness of others, and ruining their experience at one of our shows. To put it simply, you are not welcome.
— Joel Birch (@JoelDTD) January 6, 2019
This band plays to crowds of a couple hundred people. I don’t think they can afford to be running fans off like this.
The apparent Trump supporter jumped into this Twitter rant with a pretty hilarious come-back:
This loser😂😂😂😂😂 all because I wore a trump jersey. @JoelDTD grow up you libtard💁♂️ https://t.co/VRddEXWabK
— Degan_Palmer (@Degan_Palmer) January 6, 2019
To which Birch cried so more:
This is the guy. As you can see, a level headed speech followed by a level headed tweet lands me being called a loser, asshole, and libtard. This is why you’re not worth time. I won’t even bother blocking you, as you’re so determined to argue that you make new accounts. https://t.co/3GT25BksSd
— Joel Birch (@JoelDTD) January 6, 2019
Crying that someone wore a shirt he doesn’t like doesn’t make Birch “level headed” as he claims. In fact, flipping out like this is the exact opposite. It does however qualify him as a loser, an asshole, and a libtard as the Trump supporter suggested. I think sissy bitch beta male soy boy also applies.
If this band hates our country and President so much, don’t come here to make money. It’s that simple. Go play to the dingos and wallabies in the Outback, because it’s beyond f*cked up that an Australian band would give an American shit for supporting the US President on US soil.
