House of Blues Picketed for Anti-Gay Singer

A couple dozen people picketed outside the House of Blues Sept. 23 to protest the performance of Jamaican singer, ‘Capleton,’ who calls for ‘burning,’ ‘shooting’ and otherwise doing violence against lesbians and gays. The show was a few weeks after a performance by reggae/regga star Beenie Man was cancelled due to homophobic lyrics (and pressure from sponsors). The protests are part of an international organized effort to go after specific singers from Jamaica who are part of a musical trend with lyrics advocating murder of gays. In Jamaica, at least one prominent gay leader has been killed under suspicious circumstances. Chicago Anti-Bashing Network coordinated the local response to Capleton’s House of Blues concert.

Clarence N. Wood, Chair, Chicago Commission on Human Relations, issued the following statement about the concert: ‘September is Unity Month in Chicago, a time when the city reflects on

and celebrates its rich cultural diversity. It is disturbing that, during this month in particular, Capleton, a Jamaican reggae singer who openly calls for killing gay men and lesbians in his songs, is performing here in Chicago. … The effect of advocating such violence is easy to find. In June,

Jamaica’s most prominent gay-rights campaigner, Brian Williamson, was found brutally murdered in a manner that strongly suggested it was a hate crime. It is important for all Chicagoans to know that Capleton’s lyrics do not reflect the spirit and values of our city. Although we cherish our First Amendment right to freedom of speech in America, when that speech crosses over the line and calls for violence against others we must stand together to denounce it.’

First photoDarrell Gordon (center) was among the protesters outside the House of Blues during a concert by an anti-gay singer. Last two photos LEFT: Activist Deborah Mell, sister-in-law to Gov. Rod Blagojevich, daughter of Ald. Dick Mell. BELOW: Singer and activist Scott Free. Photos by John Pennycuff