Ross Macdonald

British indie band The 1975 have Cut Short a gig in Malaysia, claiming officials ordered them off stage for breaching the country's anti-LGBT laws.

The Incident occurred as The Band were headlining the Good Vibes Festival in the capital Kuala Lumper on Friday.

During The Set , singer Matty Healy launched a lengthy attack on the country's anti-LGBT laws, before kissing Bass Player Ross Macdonald .

Homosexuality is illegal in Malaysia and punishable by 20 years in prison.

In footage shared online, Healy could be seen telling The Crowd in a profanity laden speech that The Band 's decision to appear in Malaysia had been a " mistake".

" When we were booking shows, I wasn't looking into it, " Healy said. " I don't see the [expletive] point, right, I do not see The Point of inviting The 1975 to a country And Then telling us who we can have sex with. "

" Unfortunately you don't get a Set of loads of uplifting songs because I'm [expletive] furious, " the frontman continued. " And that's not fair on you, because you're not representative of your government. Because you're Young People , and I'm sure a lot of you are gay and progressive and cool. "

Healy and MacDonald then kissed as The Band played The Song I Like America & America Likes Me.

Soon After - just 30 Minutes into The Set - Healy and The Band walked off stage, with The Singer telling The Audience : " Alright, we just got banned from Kuala Lumpur , see you later. "

A source close to The 1975 confirmed The Incident to The Bbc .

" Matty has a long-time record of advocating for the LGBTQ+ community and The Band wanted to stand up for their LGBTQ+ fans and community, " The Source said on Friday Night .

In a short statement to local media, festival organisers said The Band 's Set was stopped due to " non-compliance with local performance guidelines".

" Good Vibes Festival has always been dedicated to providing enjoyable music experiences, and we sincerely appreciate your continued support, " The Statement added. " Good Vibes Festival 2023 will proceed as scheduled, and we eagerly anticipate your presence on Saturday and Sunday. "

Malaysia's Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil hit out at The Band 's performance on Twitter, calling it " very disrespectful". He added that he had contacted festival organisers and asked them to provide a full report.

Healy has previously used appearances On Stage to highlight anti-LGBT laws.

In 2019 he invited a male fan On Stage during a gig in The Incident attracted criticism in the country, where homosexuality is punishable by 10 Years imprisonment.

Posting on Twitter After The Show , Healy quipped: " Thank You Dubai you were so amazing. I don't think we'll be allowed back due To My 'behaviour' but know that I Love You and I wouldn't have done anything differently given the chance again. "

Other performers at the Good Vibes Festival include The Strokes , Dermot Kennedy and Ty Dollar $ign.

Source of news: bbc.com