Bands like Bruce Springsteen and Pearl Jam made the headlines for cancelling shows in North Carolina, out of protest for the state’s newly-passed HB2 “bathroom bill.” The show cancellations have been important in creating a dialogue about this discriminatory policy, though it isn’t the first time rock stars have used their platform to speak out on political issues. Rock and roll itself is a genre founded on defiance, and these protests fit snugly in the long historical discourse of music.
Interestingly, an unlikely musician has also joined the fight against HB2: Itzhak Perlman. Classical musicians aren’t often thought of as political figures, which makes Perlman’s words all the stronger. In a statement, Perlman wrote that he is “a vocal advocate for treating all people equally,” and cancelled a scheduled performance with the North Carolina Symphony out of protest for the bill.
You can read his statement below:
As my fans know, I have spent a lifetime advocating against discrimination towards those with physical disabilities and have been a vocal advocate for treating all people equally. As such, after great consideration, I have decided to cancel my May 18th concert in North Carolina with the North Carolina Symphony as a stand against House Bill 2. As Attorney General Loretta Lynch recently stated, HB2 “is about a great deal more than just bathrooms. [It] is about the dignity and respect we accord our fellow citizens.” I couldn’t agree more and will look forward to returning to North Carolina when this discriminatory law is repealed.
You can also watch Perlman talk about the decision on MSNBC.
We’re with you, Itzhak.