The Dutch band Within Temptation, would be performing at the 'Byblos International Festival' in Lebanon, until he canceled his performance because the festival did not allow him to perform to the local band Mashrou 'Leila, who were accused of blasphemers and some critical Christians, promised to do everything to remove them from the festival; The organizers of the same made the decision to cancel his show for fear of 'a bloodbath' during his presentation.
Furthermore, activists viewed this as part of the growing attacks on freedom of the press and marginal Lebanese communities.
“As you know, we were scheduled to play at the Byblos Festival in Lebanon on August 7th. We found out that another gang called Mashrou 'Leila was removed from the festival according to the committee due to security reasons after religious fans demanded that their performance be canceled followed by violent threats. In addition to the fact that the Lebanese authorities are currently unable to provide the artists with the security of performing in peace, we have decided to cancel our show in Byblos in solidarity with Mashrou 'Leila and in support of tolerance and freedom of expression. For you, our fans in Lebanon, it hurts to make this decision. Our latest show in Lebanon is still very vivid in our minds and hearts. We hope for better days when we will play there again. ”
He mentioned Within Temptation on Facebook.
For those who don't know the Lebanese, Mashrou 'Leila is an alternative rock band where their vocalist is openly gay and has played in big cities around the world, his lyrics are mostly about gender equality, sectarianism and homophobia.
