Third Eye Blind Issues Statement Following Cleveland Show Near RNC

Yesterday, alternative rock band Third Eye Blind appeared at a Musicians On Call benefit concert at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. During the show that was attended by several people in town for the nearby Republican National Convention, the band expressed their feelings regarding several political issues, reportedly angering the crowd.

According to reports, frontman Stephan Jenkins took the opportunity to address the audience mostly made up of conservative leaning music fans, informing them that the band believes in tolerance and acceptance which was met with booing. Jenkins also reportedly asked the members of the audience to “raise your hand if you believe in science,” among other antagonizing remarks. Third Eye Blind also seemingly purposely eschewed playing several of their well-known songs for the Republican audience, drawing more jeers from the crowd. Here’s audience-shot footage of Jenkins speaking to the crowd before they played “Jumper” posted by Elisha Krystalyn:

Following yesterday’s concert, Third Eye Blind issued the below statement on their Facebook page:

To clarify:

We did not play an RNC event. We performed at a benefit for Musicians on Call because we support their mission in bringing music to the bedsides of patients in hospitals. Given that the benefit was held in Cleveland, we suspected that convention types might show up and we let it be known we were there to support Musicians on Call and that we in fact repudiate every last stitch of the RNC platform and the grotesque that is their nominee.

–Science is science.

–Coal is not clean.

–Black Lives Matter.

–LGBTQ = equal.

–Separation of church and state (still a good idea)

We could go on.

We have Republican friends, family members, and fans, and we love them all. What we reject is what their party has come to stand for. But in keeping with Musicians on Call’s message, we believe in the gathering power of music. With that spirit we don’t step back from our audience wherever or whomever they are.

Warmly, your friends in 3eb.

[Hat Tip – Cleveland.com/Rolling Stone]