Pearl Jam Cancels Concert In North Carolina

Rock band Pearl Jam has canceled their concert scheduled for this Wednesday, April 20 in North Carolina. The band will no longer appear at PNC Arena in Raleigh in protest of the state’s recently passed HB2 law.

Pearl Jam joins a growing list of musicians who have chosen not to play in North Carolina in response to the controversial HB2 – Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act, also called the “bathroom law.” Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr and others have pulled out of dates, while Gregg Allman issued a statement recently on his decision to appear in Greensboro.

Pearl Jam’s statement regarding Wednesday’s cancellation reads in part:

It is with deep consideration and much regret that we must cancel the Raleigh show in North Carolina on April 20th.

This will be upsetting to those who have tickets and you can be assured that we are equally frustrated by the situation.

The HB2 law that was recently passed is a despicable piece of legislation that encourages discrimination against an entire group of American citizens. The practical implications are expansive and its negative impact upon basic human rights is profound. We want America to be a place where no one can be turned away from a business because of who they love or fired from their job for who they are.

It is for this reason that we must take a stand against prejudice, along with other artists and businesses, and join those in North Carolina who are working to oppose HB2 and repair what is currently unacceptable.

We have communicated with local groups and will be providing them with funds to help facilitate progress on this issue.

In the meantime we will be watching with hope and waiting in line for a time when we can return.

Perhaps even celebrate.

With immense gratitude for your understanding,

Pearl Jam

Pearl Jam is slated to appear tonight at the Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, Virginia. They will then head to Columbia, South Carolina for a concert at Colonial Life Arena on Thursday.