38 Special has followed Martina McBride, Willie Nelson, REO Speedwagon, Trisha Yearwood, Barenaked Ladies, Cheap Trick, and Heart in cancelling their upcoming performance at SeaWorld amidst intense public pressure fueled by the popular documentary film Blackfish. 38 Special's announcement came after more than 1,500 people signed a Change.org petition to encourage artists to cancel on SeaWorld's annual Bands, Brew, and BBQ concert series.
38 Special broke the news via Facebook, saying: "Due to concerns raised by the CNN documentary "Blackfish," 38 Special will be canceling its scheduled March 9th concert at Seaworld. We appreciate the outpouring of support and especially apologize to our Orlando fans. We will try and schedule another performance in your area in the near future. The band wishes everyone a happy holiday season and look forward to seeing you all again in 2014." The petition was launched by Shani Roushar from Pembroke Pines, FL who was inspired by the film Blackfish, and follows successful Change.org petitions asking Martina McBride, Barenaked Ladies, Willie Nelson, Heart, Cheap Trick, Trisha Yearwood, and REO Speedwagon to drop their performances at SeaWorld Orlando. Says Shani: "We did it! 38 Special joins Willie Nelson, Cheap Trick, Heart, and others who saw these Change.org petitions from fans like us and want nothing to do with SeaWorld's history of cruel treatment of animals. Blackfish shows what happens behind the scenes to these very intelligent animals and the public does not like it one bit. Thank you 38 Special for showing the world that SeaWorld is the last place anyone should go to have a good time."Videos