Joins list of artists that say no to SeaWorld
On December 3rd 2013 Heart’s management posted on their website a new show date for Orlando: February 9th 2014 at SeaWorld in Orlando as part of their Bands, Brew, & BBQ festivities. The list of artists already included a big line-up, including Cheap Trick, REO Speedwagon and Willie Nelson.
Immediately several fans started posting their concerns about Heart performing at this place, following the public debate on SeaWorld’s treatment of killer whales that was boosted with the release of the documentary “Blackfish”. Heart’s management responded on the website that they did not know about this and thanked the fans for letting them know. Other artists like Willie Nelson (on December 5th) and Barenaked Ladies (on November 30th) publicly announced they were canceling their scheduled performances at SeaWorld. Meanwhile Heart’s Facebook was flooded with pleas and a petition was started. Heart cancelled the show today, December 7th 2013.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLOeH-Oq_1Y[/youtube]
“Blackfish” trailer
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIbMrwbFpi8[/youtube]
Host Nancy Wilson of Heart and 11-time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Michael Harris present this charming campfire recollection of “the funnest day ever,” a day out with wild orcas in the San Juan Islands of Washington State. From “Baby Wild Films Presents: The Killer Whale People,” 1999 Emmy Award-winner for “Outstanding Children and Youth Series or Special.” Features Nancy’s fireside performance of “Baby Wild,” written for the show by Nancy and her Heart sister, Ann, and other “sis,” Sue Ennis.
Media coverage: Orlando Sentinel (Thank you Davidmonger), Billboard.com & Hollywood Reporter
Added December 8th 2013
The tweet above mentions the documentary “Blackfish” for the first time.
Today, December 8th 2013, Heart’s management thanked the Heartmongers that first alerted Heart’s management & Heart -by posting their concerns on the official site’s message board- about the documentary “Blackfish” and Heart’s show at SeaWorld. Also, management is working on a possible Tampa show to replace the now cancelled SeaWorld show.
More mediacoverage: CNN.com, Ultimate Classic Rock.
Added December 11th 2013: UK’s The Guardian: Heart are an unlikely bunch of revolutionaries. But the American soft rockers’ decision to cancel a concert at SeaWorld in Florida may mark a turning point in the relationship between humans and one of the most magnificent mammals of the ocean.