KUALA LUMPUR – The likelihood of famed American pop punk band Blink 182 performing in Malaysia appears to have dwindled, no thanks to the recent imbroglio linked to the British group, The 1975.
On Instagram, Tom DeLonge, vocalist and guitarist of Blink-182, directed a pointed remark towards Malaysia in light of its decision to cancel the Good Vibes Festival late last month, after the infamous incident ignited by The 1975’s frontman, Matty Healy.
DeLonge shared a screenshot, capturing a moment where Healy appeared to be ’kissing’ him during the band’s performance at the American music festival Lollapalooza, the previous day.
Adding a touch of humour to his caption, DeLonge also playfully announced the halt to any plans involving him and the British ensemble on Malaysian soil.
“I guess myself and The 1975 won’t be going to Malaysia – just a couple of dudes kissing during their phenomenal set at Lollapalooza,” he said in the post.
The clip, which has been uploaded on various social media accounts, showed a surprised Healy racing down the stage to embrace DeLonge in the crowd.
Healy subsequently said “I love you so much” to DeLonge, before giving his apparent idol a peck on the cheek.
@blink182tv Matty's reaction when he saw @Tom DeLonge was on his show!❤️✨ 🎥 The 1975 📍 Lollapalooza 2023 #blink182 #tomdelonge #markhoppus #travisbarker #punkrock #poppunk #punk #greenday #paramore #foofighters #avrillavigne #nirvana #theoffspring #mychemicalromance #linkinpark #tiktok #viral #fly #the1975 #mattyhealy1975 ♬ sonido original – blink-182
As of press time, DeLonge’s post has garnered over 56,000 likes and a slew of comments, most of which chastised the singer for his seemingly tone-deaf remarks.
“There are different sides to the story, and you chose the one that is blatantly racist because Matt was literally drunk and was spitting, cursing, breaking festival property and openly insulting Malaysia during the show, and (only) then they made out on stage,” user @zatyness said.
“The blatant disrespect is not an act of political bravery, he (does not care) about how Malaysians felt at all,” the same user added.
Meanwhile, many other users said having Blink-182 perform in Malaysia was not a request that is sought after anyway.
“Your songs aren’t that (great). It’s alright if you don’t come,” user @helloshaze commented.
“Literally, nobody cares. We have fantastic local bands in Malaysia and the region,” user @izzaizelan said.
“Up to you. Malaysian fans, don’t beg for them to come here. They do not care for the fans in Malaysia. Whoever (is against) their ideology becomes their enemy,” user @blcvkvge commented.
The government had cancelled the supposed three-day Good Vibes Festival on July 22, a day after Healy panned Malaysia’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws on the first night of the festival.
During the band’s set, Healy kissed his male bandmate Ross MacDonald on stage.
After the axing of the Good Vibes festival, The 1975 also abruptly cancelled its scheduled performances in Jakarta, Indonesia and Taipei, Taiwan. – August 6, 2023