Your boy Shannon Noll has been unceremoniously dropped from an upcoming gig in rural QLD, with organisers concerned that he won’t be a good fit with the family-friendly vibe of the event.
The Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo released a statement saying Noll had been cut from its 60th anniversary celebrations in August, following what they tactfully referred to as a ‘weekend incident’.
Organisers said: “We pride ourselves on our family-friendly environment and reputation so we have made this operational decision to ensure we deliver the best event experience for all attendees.”
The ‘incident’ in question took place at a gig in NSW last weekend, when Nollsy was filmed hurling abuse at a “fucking private school stupid fuckhead motherfucker” who threw a beer can at him.
Speaking to the ABC, rodeo general manager Natalie Flecker said:
“We certainly don’t condone the actions of either side of what happened, but we pride ourselves on being a family friendly environment and our reputation could potentially be on the line if we were to proceed … it’s not something we’re prepared to take the risk with.”
Shannon Noll, at least, appears to have taken the decision on the chin. In a press release overnight, the ‘What About Me‘ singer said:
“I’m disappointed to not be there to celebrate such a milestone for an event [ingrained] within the history and heritage of Queensland and wish it every success. I look forward to returning and being a part of it another time.”
Reactions from the Mount Isa community have been … mixed. While some have praised the rodeo for taking a stand against violence, others have branded them “snowflakes” and demanded refunds.
“As a volunteer that night I may have to reconsider as I don’t support the actions taken by the rodeo committee,” said a woman named Amanda. “I feel as if you just threw another can at him.”
