2000s US rockers spark controversy after banning Donald Trump voters from their latest tour

News.com.au

4 hours ago

The lead singer of 2000s US rockers The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus has sparked controversy after banning Trump supporters from attending the band's shows.
Frontman Ronnie Winter made the declaration in a video posted to his band's official Instagram page over the weekend, eliciting a mixed reaction from some of the rocker's fans on social media.
'If you voted for Donald Trump, do not come to my shows — forever, not just like these four years,' he said passionately.
He then went on to call out Christian Trump supporters, ranting: 'If you're Christian and you voted for Donald Trump, shame on you. You are not allowed to come to my shows. I don't want you there. Don't come to my shows.'
Winter continued: 'Do not come to my shows because you're going to hear a lot of propaganda, and you're going to hear like the actual words of Jesus.'
'You're going to see a lot of acceptance from all areas of life and races, and um, you're just going to see a lot of harmony, OK? That's not what you're about, OK? Don't come. Refunds are available. Forever, don't come. Goodbye.'
'It's awesome that you love Face Down, but it's not for you. It's not your song, OK? It is not your song,' he added, mentioning the band's most successful song that hit the charts back in 2006.
While numerous fans supported the star's views, Winter comments were soon inundated with comments from Trump voters, with one replying: 'Poor baby doesn't want people to come to his show that voted for trump. Did your wittle feewings get hurt? Dawww, don't worry, nobody wants to see a one hit wonder anyway!'
Another commented: 'When is the next show out West? Can't wait to be there with all my Maga buddies.'
'No one's goes to your shows anyway dude so I don't think you have to worry about Trump supporters coming bud,' sneered another.
Elsewhere during his social media rant, Winter lashed out at fans who have criticised his liberal beliefs, insisting that being 'woke' just means 'being awake'.
'Look man, the thing about being woke is you're awake, and once you're awake you can never go to sleep,' he said. 'Not only has nothing changed, but everything they said was going to happen – the woke people – has happened. You have done nothing but prove them right.'
Winter is the latest in a long line of musicians who are speaking up against Donald Trump as tensions continue to rise in the US in recent months, and in Los Angles over the last week.
Winter joins a growing list of musicians who have spoken out against Trump's second term. Bruce Springsteen lashed out at Trump during his latest tour that's been marred by illness.
'In my home, the America I love, the America I've written about, that has been a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years, is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent and treasonous administration,' Springsteen told a sellout crowd last moth.