This year, Seaworld Orlando is sponsoring “Bands, Brew and BBQ” during February and early March. There may be fewer bands to go with the BBQ and brew than originally planned. At least seven well known performers and bands have pulled out from performing at the event due to what some are calling the “Blackfish effect.” So far, REO Speedwagon, Trisha Yearwood, Willie Nelson, Cheap Trick, Heart, Barenaked Ladies and Martina McBride have cancelled SeaWorld concerts. Most of the performers have said that they cancelled after watching the documentary, Blackfish. Joan Jett, who was not scheduled to perform, has demanded that SeaWorld stop using her signature tune, “I Love Rock and Roll,” as the opening music for its ‘Shamu Rocks’ killer whale show.
At this point it is difficult to say who will be performing at SeaWorld’s “Bands, Brew and BBQ” as SeaWorld has removed the performance schedule from their website.
Blackfish is a 2013 documentary film directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, which focuses on the killing of SeaWorld trainer, Dawn Brancheau, by the orca whale, Tilikum. The documentary raises the larger issue of whether orcas should be kept in captivity. The documentary was broadcast on CNN on October 24, 2011 and on on BBC Four in the UK on November 21, 2013.
The cancellation of the musical groups has continued to keep SeaWorld and Blackfish in the public eye. As reported by the Orlando Sentinel, “The cancellations are helping sustain “Blackfish” in the public consciousness, raising the risk that the film and its criticisms could do lasting damage to SeaWorld’s brand.
“It keeps the candle burning on ‘Blackfish,'” said Dennis Speigel, president of International Theme Park Services Inc., a consulting firm in Cincinnati. “It’s kind of like a snowball: It starts to roll, and then it gets bigger.”
“I don’t agree with the way they treat their animals. … What they do at SeaWorld is not OK,” Willie Nelson said in an interview with CNN. (SeaWorld initially said that Nelson canceled because of “scheduling conflicts.”)
Criticism from such high-profile figures could ultimately prove very damaging for SeaWorld, said David Kirby, author of the book “Death at SeaWorld,” which, like “Blackfish,” focuses on Tilikum and Dawn Brancheau’s death.
“I think the ripple effect is even greater. Only so many people are going to see a documentary or read a book. But everybody knows who Willie Nelson is,” Kirby said.
Op-Ed: ‘Blackfish Effect’ continues, seven acts cancel SeaWorld gigs
Good, the loud noise they make upsets the animals!
Think of the vibrations the music sends through the water.
Phil and I are in complete agreement on this one!! It is not that long ago since the environmentalists were screaming at the USN about noise battering the whales with Sonar testing in the Florida Straits. I do not think that SeaWorld or any similar facility should have Whales and Orcas in captivity and the shows are degrading. I have been lucky enough to see both in their natural environment in several parts of the World including a vicious attack by four Orcas on a Whale in Queen Charlotte Sound, BC., Canada from the Bridge of a cruise ship. However SeaWorld is part of our “free enterprise” business system and change must be negotiated with them.
Good Watch.
I hope that everyone who is on the backlash for SeaWorld watches the movie Blood Diamond and get rid of their jewelry, let’s see how much they care about Children being mistreated!!!!!
God Bless Sea World, If ther is anything I can do to support you I will, I have got a lot of Awesome Ideas that would make a SERIOUS impact on your Business, Who needs alot of Has Been Singers performing at Sea World anyway. Keep it what its All About The Animals.
People like Bendi Irwin & Terry Irwin & Steve Irwin are what you need People that Love & Understand the Animals.