Should Heavy Metal Concerts Be Banned on Good Friday?

Should Heavy Metal Concerts Be Banned on Good Friday? That is a question that the Baillieu Government in Victoria, Australia is considering. Consumer Affairs Minister Michael O'Brien said the State Government would move to ban the event under liquor laws covering offensive images and religious vilification. O'Brien is behind the effort as the concert is being staged on one of the most sacred days of the Christian year.

Easter Mass 11 (I assume there were 10 others prior), featuring Christian-hating heavy metal bands, has been planned for a Northcote venue on Good Friday, mocking the day's religious significance. It would be headlined by Sydney shock group Jesus Christ - a tribute act to deceased US punk rocker GG Allin, who typically defecated and urinated on stage, rolled in faeces, consumed excrement and committed self-harm.

I am not a fan of excrement, but this is a cover band and not the real GG Allin, so no real excrement will be harmed. But Consumer Affairs Minister Michael O'Brien said the State Government would move to ban the event under liquor laws covering offensive images and religious vilification.

"I have asked the director of Liquor Licensing to look into whether this tasteless and moronic promotion complies with the Liquor Control Reform Act," Mr O'Brien said.

For the hungry fan, a barbecue and meat tray offer is to be held at the gig. You better believe O'Brien and his flock have a problem with this. Good Friday is a strictly meat-free day for Catholics and some other Christians, but a religious holiday observed by all Christian faiths to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Performer "Carcass" Butcher said the concert was "just a bit of harmless fun".

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Tags:  Heavy metal, good friday, gg allin, easter mass, festival

Jason Fisher    April 05, 2011