Canceled Jamey Johnson Concert Stokes Gun Rights Debate
Jamey Johnson's Sunday night (July 23) show at the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach was canceled, leaving fans and his band very angry. It's also fired up a gun rights debate on social media.
Officially, the venue canceled the show because "Tonight's artist refused to adhere to our safety and security guidelines and would not enter the building. Unfortunately, tonight's show is canceled."
While Johnson has not commented and his team has not responded to requests for more information, several of his band members objected to any suggestion that they were at fault.
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Tony TC Coleman says promoter Live Nation treated the band and crew like terrorists, putting a metal detector in between the tour buses and artist entrance. “We did not come to House of Blues to be treated like we are going to kill the fans,” he says.
The band's Melonie Cannon replied to several comments on the House of Blues Facebook announcement. Cannon writes, “No one in our band or crew carried a gun in that building… FYI.” She also defended Johnson from people who claimed the singer had a drinking problem, saying he'd been sober for several years.
Still, the conversation raged on about whether the band should be allowed to legally carry a weapon into the venue if registered and the holder held a permit. Fans often have to go through metal detectors or have bags searched. Why shouldn't artists, some ask. It's a particularly sensitive topic after recent shootings at concerts in London and Paris.
The House of Blues adds that refunds will be available at the point of purchase or box office. Johnson's next scheduled show is the Peacemaker Music and Artis Festival in Fort Smith, Ark., on July 28. The singer is known for his dedication to traditional country music and his hit "In Color." Prior to becoming a country music singer, he served in the United States Marine Corp.
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