Band says it was dropped from Pennsylvania festival over political views

Philadelphia-based rock band Low Cut Connie was abruptly dropped from a scheduled performance at the Rockin’ the River festival in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The band’s frontman, Adam Weiner, believes the decision was politically motivated.

Organizers booked an AC/DC cover band in Low Cut Connie’s place.

Frontman speaks out

On Monday, July 21, Weiner posted a video to Low Cut Connie’s Facebook page announcing the cancellation.

“They have indicated they are canceling my show for political reasons,” Weiner said, although he admitted the exact reasoning was unclear.

He pointed to the band’s message of inclusion, saying, “If you’ve been to a Low Cut Connie show, you know that on stage I speak about diversity.” He also referenced their protest-inspired single “Livin’ in the U.S.A.”

Released in May, the song explores themes of fear and the struggles of marginalized communities.

Officials push back

In a statement to Fox News Digital, a spokesperson for Luzerne County said, “Our goal is to have a place where we can enjoy music, food, promote our community, have fun, be safe and free of politics and propaganda.”

The decision prompted backlash online, with many pointing to the band’s reputation for bold, political performances.

In response, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk extended a public invitation for Low Cut Connie to perform in his city.

“I love the band. We are trying to figure out how to get him booked here for a concert in Allentown,” Tuerk told local outlet Morning Call, referencing the city’s ArtsQuest’s Friday Concerts.

“I’m offering an open invitation for Low Cut Connie. I’m rolling out the red carpet,” Tuerk added. “We don’t discriminate against bands for whatever political views they might have.”

Not their first protest

Earlier this year, Low Cut Connie joined other artists in pulling out of performances at The Kennedy Center in protest of leadership changes under President Donald Trump.

Weiner made the announcement on Instagram, saying:

“My extended Low Cut Connie community includes Black, white, gay, straight, transgender, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, atheist and immigrant individuals — all of whom are wonderful upstanding Americans. Many of these folks will be directly negatively affected by this administration’s policies and messaging.”

Although he expressed excitement about performing as part of the Kennedy Center’s Social Impact series, Weiner concluded, “Maybe my career will suffer from this decision, but my soul will be the better for it.”

Bands facing backlash

Other artists around the world have also faced backlash or removal from concert lineups due to their political speech.

At the Boardmasters festival in the United Kingdom, hundreds are calling for rap duo Bob Vylan to be removed. During a set at Glastonbury Festival in June, frontman Bobby Vylan led the crowd in chants of “Free Palestine” and “Death to the IDF,” referring to the Israel Defense Forces.

The set took place in front of more than 200,000 attendees.

In a statement on Instagram, the group later clarified that they do not support “the death of Jews or any race or group.”

Other controversies at Glastonbury

Irish hip-hop group Kneecap also faced scrutiny at Glastonbury.

Member Liam O’Hanna was charged with a terrorism offense after allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a November 2024 performance in London.

At Coachella in April, Kneecap again stirred controversy by leading the crowd in a “Free Palestine” chant. While they remained on the lineup, several Jewish advocacy groups reportedly asked organizers to remove the group ahead of the event.