Why was Dealer's first Australian show in years abruptly canceled? Reason explained

Australian metalcore outfit Dealer had recently announced what would have been their return to the stage in their home country. The event was meant to be their first performance in Australia in around five years.

It was scheduled to be a charity show to support a friend who is suffering from a severe form of cancer. However, less than 24 hours after the announcement, the gig was abruptly canceled following backlash over violence and s*xual assault allegations against the band's frontman, Aidan Holmes.

The venue was set to be Mo's Desert Clubhouse in Burleigh Heads, Queensland. The officials released a statement announcing their decision to pull out of the show.

According to the statement, the venue was initially unaware of the nature of the allegations related to the Dealer's frontman. Once informed, they decided to withdraw.

Per Metal Sucks, Mo's Desert Clubhouse's official statement was as follows:

"Mo's Desert Clubhouse stance on violence.

"Yesterday we announced a show for a well known act touring Australia soon. Today, we were made aware of allegations of violence and s*xual assault from members of this band, which is currently before the courts. In light of these allegations, we have decided to cancel this show.

"Mo's is founded on radical expression and radical inclusion—an ethos that doesn’t leave room for ANY form of violence, discrimination, abuse or hate. Our priority has always been, and will always be to our patrons, artists and staff’s safety and well being.

"On booking this show we were completely unaware of these allegations, and we sincerely apologise for any distress or pain caused.

"To those who contacted us directly to discuss this, thank you for informing us in a mature manner. It takes time to deal with situations like this, and is a process to cancel a show. To those who abused our staff over the phone, sent threatening messages and violent content to our socials, a reminder that violence breeds violence, hate breeds hate.

"Peace, love and rock'n'roll, ❤️

"Christian, Kim and the entire familia at Mo's Desert Clubhouse."

The outlet further reported that Dealer frontman Aidan Holmes has also issued a statement addressing the matter. The post, now deleted, reportedly read:

"The show has been cancelled due to the online backlash and the agent has decided to save face. Given all the negativity around Dealer's platform I tried to do something positive. I say nothing and I'm guilty. I say something and I’m guilty.

“This has been my ongoing battle for the last 7–8 years despite following the entire legal process properly. People I do not know or met briefly many years ago continue to show prejudice and lack of critical thinking and or emotional intelligence.

“I am not an abuser. But I am done with this."

The allegations are from 2017. A woman accused Holmes of inappropriate behavior while sharing a sleeping space with him and another individual. That individual, Robert Flugge, later confirmed witnessing the incident.

Trending

Also Read: Why did Morrissey postpone US tour dates? Singer shares health update

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback