Matchbox Twenty Canceled Rodeo Gig Over Mistreatment of Animals
photo courtesy of PR Photos/www.prphotos.comMatchbox Twenty have reportedly canceled their performance at a rodeo event in Wyoming over concerns about animal welfare. They had been scheduled to show on July 18, 2008 for the Cheyenne Frontier Days which is called the world’s largest outdoor rodeo, however, they’ve decided against it as they can’t condone what goes on at the show which included having bulls lassoed by riders.
Rob Thomas said on their official website:
“We ask that (fans) please understand that it would be impossible for us to put ourselves in the position of making money from what we believe to be the mistreatment of animals”.
At this time, they’re still scheduled to perform at the North Dakota State Fair on July 19th which also includes rodeo events. It sounds like they’ll probably pull out of that event too.
It’s a good thing to put ethics over making a few bucks though eh?
4 babblicious comments:
Good for them, too many people put money far ahead of their morals. I fully support and congradulate Matchbox Twenty on their decision.
Did you know that fewer than one percent of rodeo animals are injured every year? I think it is a good idea to get that facts behind an argument before you jump on the mistreatment bandwagon. Roping a calf or wrestling a steer does not injure the animal. Keep in mind that their skin is hundreds of percentages’ stronger and thicker than ours (.5 mm vs 7 mm) and they outweigh us by hundreds of pounds, and protective headgear is put on calves that are being roperd to protect the head. Cowboys love their animals andtreat them with the utmost respect.
Psychological mistreatment can be more damaging than physical mistreatment. I salute someone for standing for what they believe. If your going to create a statistic, at least make one up that sounds realistic. 1 %… silly.
I can completely respect that they are coming from the heart. I see it as the difference of perspective between people whose life experiences have not included living close to/on the land vs those who have (ie city folk vs country folk) I can’t say that one is better than the other, but I would encourage a wider view of the world for both. I’m bummed though, as I’ve been a fan for several years and will miss getting to see them. Ah well, they’ll come along.