Matchbox Twenty won't ride into this rodeo

Matchbox Twenty has pulled out as the July 18 opening act at Cheyenne, Wyo.'s, Frontier Days, possibly due to accusations by an Illinois-based animal-rights organization of animal cruelty at the rodeo, the Coloradoan newspaper reports.

Although the band's representatives do not cite reasons for the cancellation, Steve Hindi, president of Showing Animals Respect & Kindness, or SHARK, said Matchbox Twenty  withdrew after reviewing videotapes provided by SHARK. The videos, Hindi said, show shocked and injured animals being dragged at the 2005 and 2007 Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeos.

The booking company for Frontier Days, Omaha-based Romeo Entertainment Group, also confirmed that Matchbox Twenty had provided written notice that the band was canceling the show, but gave no explanation as to why.

SHARK officials previously claimed that "American Idol" winner and vegetarian Carrie Underwood backed out of performing at Cheyenne Frontier Days in 2006 after learning of similar animal cruelty accusations.

-Francisco Vara-Orta

Photo: Courtesy/Atlantic Records

Comments

[bookbeaver]

Thank god some entertainers still have consciences.

[FRESCURA]

Thanks for doing the right thing Matchbox Twenty! They have since released a statement and confirmed they have pulled out due to the shocking abuse they witnessed on tape from these rodeos. These cowardly cowboys and their hidden tasers and other cruelties like having to wait until Monday to get permission from their insurance company to humanely end the suffering of the animals injured over the weekend when most rodeos take place. NOW Coca-Cola, AT&T, Southwest Airlines, Bank of America, Mercedes, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Jack Daniels whiskey, and other sponsors need to wake up and not support this abuse. Real men don't abuse animals...or sponsor the abuse of them.

[Jason L]

Check out www.BuckTheRodeo.com/

[sporker]

This comment was posted in the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle blog. Does anyone know if it is an accurate statement?

Regrettably, Matchbox Twenty will not be able to perform at Cheyenne Frontier Days on July 18. After careful consideration it was decided that the 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 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.

Sincerely,
Rob and Marisol Thomas and The Sidewalk Angels Foundation "

[sporker]

4/17/08 Casper Star Tribune
Band's rodeo cancellation spurs lawsuit
http://www.trib.com/articles/2008/04/17/news/wyoming/31cf3fe90869a2f08725742d0083c7c2.txt