THE 1975 Taken Off Stage and Banned From Malaysia Good Vibes Festival 2023

THE MALAY MAIL

 The three-day Good Vibes Festival 2023 (GVF 2023) in Sepang that started last night ended prematurely on its first day due to “non-compliance” with local performance guidelines by British band The 1975.

Various news media reported the concert being stopped after The 1975’s fifth song when its vocalist Matt Healy made an expletive-laden speech against the government on stage midway through its performance and kissed his male guitarist on stage.

“Okay, that's it from us, guys. We're banned from Kuala Lumpur,” he was quoted as saying before leaving the stage last night by The New Straits Times in a report this morning.

The GVF 2023 organiser confirmed the abrupt end to yesterday’s show in a statement early this morning due to the incident, but said the festival would continue today and tomorrow.

“We regret that The 1975 performance had to be cut short due to non-compliance with local performance guidelines,” it said in a brief statement.

“Good Vibes Festival 2023 will proceed as scheduled, and we eagerly anticipate your presence on Saturday and Sunday.

“To those who attended on Friday, July 21, 2023, we understand your disappointment. If you have a Friday single-day festival wristband, you will now be able to attend the festival on either Saturday or Sunday — simply present your Friday single-day wristband at the main entrance for entry. We hope to see you soon,” it added.

In an early morning tweet, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said he will be calling up the organiser for an explanation.

“This was a very rude action. I have called the organiser to give an explanation tomorrow, and will be contacting the authorities for a full report,” he posted on Twitter at about 3.40am.

Good vibes turned sour when The 1975 frontman Matt Healy started poppin’ off about LGBT rights & the Malaysian Government before kissing his guitarist and ultimately being escorted away.

Here are the moments before & after The 1975 were taken off stage, pieced together with different views by tiktokers from all over the venue. Their sights, their sounds.

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Official Statement by GVF:

The 1975's performance had to be cut short due to non-compliance with local performance guidelines. The festival organisers express their regret for any inconvenience caused and extend their appreciation for the continued support.