On Tyranny: Punk Legends UK Subs Denied Entry Into US Due to Alleged Trump Criticism
A new chapter in Trump’s war on free speech has apparently begun, with members of punk legends UK Subs denied entry into the U.S. and detained after traveling to play a concert Stateside, according to The Guardian. The U.K. news outlet cites accounts purportedly posted on the band’s Facebook page. (The Bad Penny does not utilize or endorse social media.)
The Bad Penny reached out directly to the band for comment on Friday but has not yet heard back.
While the alleged development is shocking, it is by no means surprising. The Bad Penny in conjunction with New Noise is currently running a series of stories, titled On Tyranny, about the current and potential repressive measures taken by the Trump administration. It appears that his subordinates are targeting not only dissenters but apparently also those who voted for him but criticize any of his administration’s actions–and even apolitical individuals inadvertently caught in the crosshairs.
The Bad Penny is a website intended to focus on music and typically would not focus on political matters such as these. However, I feel it is incumbent to communicate to fans of music that artistic expression and freedom of speech are clearly in danger in the United States.
If today’s development with UK Subs is true, implications could include massive numbers of bands refusing or not being allowed to perform concerts Stateside, not to mention actions the U.S. Department of Justice or even Trump’s military and armed sycophants could take against American artists who voice opposition to Trump or even citizens who buy music or attend concerts by those bands.
The Guardian report is another reminder that we are in uncharted waters and must remain vigilant and attentive to the rapidly changing cultural environment happening right now in the United States of America.
Here are more stories related to the On Tyranny series:
“On Tyranny: Kuwaiti Metal Artist Abzy Calls Hate ‘A Black Hole’“
“On Tyranny: Hungary’s Sear Bliss Lost ‘Freedom’ In Orbán’s Autocracy“
“Thy Catafalque Mastermind Talks About Meaning of Life, Living Under Dictator Viktor Orbán”
“Malist Creator ‘Exhausted’ By Russia’s Invasion Of Ukraine”
“Moscow Metal Band Malist Voices Opposition to Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
“ ‘People in America Have Blinders On,’ Lamb of God’s Randy Blythe Says”
“On Tyranny: Necrofier Frontman Wonders ‘Is It Going to Be Like ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’?’”
“Faith In Metal: Orphaned Land Push For Peace In The Middle East”
“Steve Earle: ‘It’s Very Dangerous To Be Ignorant Of Islam’”
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