Machine Head are out on the road right now with Dethklok, All That Remains and The Black Dahlia Murder (dates here). One show that will have to go on without them is the Orlando House of Blues show at Walt Disney World, as they have been banned from the venue.
The band is allegedly on a "black list" of bands not allowed to play Disney venus. This isn't the first time that the notoriously conservative organization has banned a metal band. According to Machine Head, the venue cited "violent imagery", "inflammatory lyrics" and "undesirable fans" as the reason for the ban. Machine Head haven't been able to pay these venues since 2007. Sort of ridiculous.
Here is the full official statement from the band about the cancellation:
For the third time in a row, the corporate powers behind Walt Disney Properties have once again pressured promoter Live Nation into canceling Machine Head's performance at a House of Blues venue on Disney property, this time the December 4th show in Orlando, FL.
While no one is willing to provide evidence that would prove unfavorable to Disney, sources close to events have suggested that Machine Head remains on a "banned list", and while Dethklok, All That Remains and Black Dahlia Murder will still be allowed to play, the corporate powers at Disney have refused to allow Machine Head to perform.
In 2007, Walt Disney Properties banned Machine Head from the House Of Blues venues in both Anaheim and Orlando, citing "violent imagery", "inflammatory lyrics" and most appallingly "undesirable fans" as the reason. The diversity-impaired corporation began pressuring the promoter with vague threats of liability and reduced job security before placing Machine Head under an internal "review process". Five days later, Walt Disney Properties would convey their alarming decision to the band, less than 48 hours before the first date of 2007's anti-war, anti-religion, anti-conservative-themed "The Blackening" album headline run at the House Of Blues in Anaheim, CA.
A stunned Machine Head announced the details and disgust regarding the situation and let fans know of the then-rescheduled show 70 miles away at The Glass House in Pomona. In retaliation for that public announcement, Disney cancelled the band's then-upcoming performance at the House Of Blues in Orlando, citing the same absurd reasons, though they would only publicly state that they had "changed musical formats" at the venue.
Machine Head wish to once again extend their gratitude to Live Nation and the House Of Blues for their poise and tolerance throughout these ridiculous developments, unbelievably transpiring here in these United States Of America in this year 2012.
As they are not on Disney property and therefore not subject to the corporation's alleged coercionary tactics, the current dates with Dethklok, All That Remains and The Black Dahlia Murder at the Dallas and Houston House Of Blues will go on as scheduled. Unfortunately, Machine Head’s Florida performance will not be rescheduled in an effort to avoid creating any conflict with the existing dates on the tour.
