The Living End has taken to social media to denounce the use of their music at anti-immigration marches by neo-Nazis.
The ‘March for Australia’ anti-immigration protests kicked off around Australia yesterday (with pro-Palestine and antifascist demonstrators also counter-protesting), drawing thousands of attendees in major and regional cities.
In some cities, the anti-immigration protesters were joined by (and in some cases led by) members of neo-Nazi group the National Socialist Network – and some of those said neo-Nazis were playing music from The Living End, who have since responded on social media to the news.
The band took to their Instagram stories after being notified by fans of the use of their songs – which some online have suggested included tracks like ‘West End Riot’ and ‘Roll On.’ In their statement, they didn’t mince their words: “To be absolutely clear, the goals and philosophies of these marches are abhorrent to us…in summary, F**k Nazis.”
Here’s The Living End’s full statement:
“We’ve been made aware that two of our songs were played at the anti-immigration marches over the weekend by members of a neo-Nazi group. To be absolutely clear, the goals and philosophies of these marches are abhorrent to us, and we don’t support them in any way.”
“The Living End’s world view is about equality and we aim for our songs to be a positive influence. We believe in a fair go for everyone. Our songs are written to bring people together not to divide them, and especially not to be used in this way.”
In summary: F**k Nazis.
— Chris, Scott & Andy”
The anti-immigration protests were condemned as hateful by the federal government, and saw the National Socialist Network, anti-lockdown figures, and other groups promoting and actively speaking in a number of cities including Melbourne, although no one group has claimed responsibility for organising it.
The Living End weren’t the only Australian artists played during the protests, either. According to The Courier Mail, protestors in Brisbane played Jimmy Barnes’ song ‘Working Class Man’ and Cold Chisel’s ‘Flame Trees,’ while The Herald Sun reported that ICEHOUSE’s ‘Great Southern Land’ was also played.
Neither Barnes nor ICEHOUSE has given an official statement as yet, but a PR representative for both artists in a statement to The Music said that “no approval was sought, and no permission was given, for the use of their works at the rallies”.
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