Statement – Safe Gigs for Women at Festivals and Gigs

From time to time, there are bands and artists who are accused or convicted of domestic abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, or rape who have nevertheless been invited to play at a festival or event that SGFW has been invited to attend. Some are accused or have admitted to inappropriate behaviour with fans. Some may have songs that are anti-woman or pro-abuse. We have already been asked why would attend a festival when such a band or artist is playing there, and whether it would be better for SGFW to boycott or not attend.

The SGFW leadership team has put some thought into this. On the one hand, we don’t want our name associated with those individual acts. On the other hand, we recognise that it’s one act at a festival or event with other acts who are blameless, and that the festival or event must support SGFW’s work or we wouldn’t have been invited.  We also understand that some of our supporters may be disappointed that we’ve chosen to attend when such a band or artist have been invited to play, when they themselves may be boycotting the event for that reason.

SGFW has decided that generally we will attend where we are invited. We are there for the gig goers first and foremost, and we can’t spread the word if we aren’t there. We hope to be an example, which we can’t be if we aren’t there. We understand that some people will be disappointed with this stance, and that’s ok. We’re happy to discuss it – get in touch on our socials and e-mails, we’ll talk.

This isn’t a blanket rule, we may decide not to attend if the overall ‘vibe’ of the event makes us feel unsafe, unwanted, or just a bit skeevy about attending. But we thought it was important to share our thought process with our supporters. We couldn’t do what we do without you, and we are grateful for every one of you.

Respect and love,

The SGFW crew