Last night, the PR firm that handles singer-guitarist Joe Walsh issued a statement regarding Walsh’s decision to withdraw from a July 17 Cleveland concert that was to benefit the families of American veterans. Walsh says he was mislead into thinking it was a non-partisan event. “Today, it was announced that this event is, in fact, a launch for the Republican National Convention,” he says in a statement. “In addition, my name is to be used to raise sponsorship dollars for convention-related purposes. Therefore, I must humbly withdraw my participation in this event with apologies to any fans or veterans and their families that I might disappoint.”
He also took the opportunity to criticize the Republican party.
“I am very concerned about the rampant vitriol, fear-mongering and bullying coming from the current Republican campaigns,” he says. “It is both isolationist and spiteful. I cannot in good conscience endorse the Republican party in any way. I will look at doing a veteran related benefit concert later this year.”
Walsh’s publicist, Elizabeth Freund, says she is unsure if the concert was a private event or intended to be open to the public.
Jeff has been covering the Cleveland music scene for more than 25 years now. On a regular basis, he tries to talk to whatever big acts are coming through town. And if you're in a local band that he needs to hear, email him at jniesel@clevescene.com.
One reply on “Singer-Guitarist Joe Walsh Cancels Local Charity Event, Lambasts Republican Party”
Does anyone in the Republican Party’s national office actually check the political affiliations of artists? This is like Ted Nugent receiving an invitation from Harry Reid to perform in Philly to kick-off the DNC.
Does anyone in the Republican Party’s national office actually check the political affiliations of artists? This is like Ted Nugent receiving an invitation from Harry Reid to perform in Philly to kick-off the DNC.