Matchbox 20 are canceling a gig at the rodeo venue which is against the frontman's belief.
- Apr 14, 2008
AceShowbiz - Animal rights come as a priority for Matchbox 20. The rock band, which is fronted by Rob Thomas, has canceled a concert at Cheyenne Frontier Days, Wyoming which is scheduled for July 18 after realizing that making a performance at the rodeo venue will contradict Thomas' mission statement.
Thomas' bandmates are pro to his decision and issued a statement on the band's official site. They said, "Regrettably, Matchbox Twenty will not be able to perform at Cheyenne Frontier Days on July, 18th. After careful consideration, it was decided that participating in this event would directly contradict the mission statement of SIDEWALK ANGELS FOUNDATION, our non profit organization."
"The other members of Matchbox Twenty support this decision and while we understand that a great deal of effort went into the planning of this show, and apologize to any and all fans who purchased tickets to see us. We ask that they 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."
Thomas and his wife, Marisol, have established "Sidewalk Angels" which purpose is to help "people who are destitute or homeless and get lost in the system; those who cannot afford proper medical care; animals that have been abandoned or abused".
Meanwhile, Cheyenne is renown for its rodeo attraction although they do not "condone, or permit actions that abuse animals" The venue that has accommodated numerous music acts stated on their official site that "any injured animal is accorded immediate veterinary medical attention, and is isolated from further harm."
The band are touring to promote their latest release, "Exile on Mainstream" that was released last year containing mostly their greatest hits. However, they are still scheduled to perform on July 19 at North Dakota State Fair that also include radio events.
