Last summer, the multi-city music festival series Punk In The Park faced backlash when word got out that owner Cameron Collins of Brew Ha Ha Productions donated to Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign. Bands like Destiny Bond dropped off Punk In The Park events, Dropkick Murphys discontinued their relationship with Brew Ha Ha going forward, and a petition protesting Punk In The Park gained traction online.
In response, Collins released a statement asserting that "my political views don't neatly fit into a single box or party affiliation" and explaining that his Trump support stemmed from the candidate's "promise to end wars and refrain from entering new international conflicts, lower taxes, and stopping government overreach." He also wrote, "We all probably have common ground on a lot of big issues like being anti-racism, anti-war, and the belief in human rights for EVERYONE, regardless of race, sexual orientation, religion, or any other identity."
Dead Kennedys apparently missed the Brew Ha Ha brouhaha, but it has now come to their attention after Naked Aggression, N8NOFACE, and 8 Kalacas all dropped off the lineup for May 23's Vallejo edition over Collins’ MAGA support. The veteran punk band (which does not, in its current incarnation, include founding vocalist Jello Biafra) issued a statement today explaining that, having become aware of Collins' donation to the Trump campaign, they will not participate in Punk In The Park events going forward. They will not be cancelling their existing Punk In The Park dates, however, out of respect for fans who already purchased tickets to see them.
The statement reads as follows:
We've become aware that the owner of Brew Ha Ha Productions, the company behind Punk In The Park, made financial contributions in support of the Trump administration.
Our first reaction was to cancel our upcoming appearances. However, we do not feel it would be fair to our supporters who have already purchased tickets & made plans to attend these shows.Dead Kennedys have always stood firmly against authoritarianism, racism, and fascism. That has not changed.
After these scheduled appearances, we will not be participating in future Punk In The Park events.
Last week the aforementioned 8 Kalacas initially defended their decision to play despite being firmly anti-Trump. The Latino skacore band told LA Taco:
Our band has a very noted history of screaming ‘fuck Trump,’ ‘fuck ICE,’ and ‘fuck racism’ on any platform we can get. Even if that means doing it through Facebook/Instagram, which donated $1M to Trump, or through Live Nation, which donated $500k, or through Punk in the Park, which donated $250, it will not change what we say or where we say it. Our people are here to stay, and we should use every outlet we can to stand against division and hate.
They changed their mind after backlash and shared this statement on Friday (Feb. 21):
8 Kalacas is officially withdrawing from Punk in the Park. Our mission has always been to use our platform to bring awareness to the front lines where it's needed most. To condemn the murderers and kidnappers that are terrorizing our family, our friends and our community. We will NEVER show support for this crooked administration. We have heard your concerns loud and clear. We recognize that our presence at this festival would do more harm than good for the community we have fought alongside for years. We do not sell out our people. We are Raza, and everything we do is for the Raza, always.
Thank you for standing with us.
Dead Kennedys are scheduled to perform at Punk In The Park's April 18 Pittsburgh date and May 23's Vallejo installment.
