REO Speedwagon Becomes Sixth Group to Cancel SeaWorld Concert

REO Speedwagon has followed Trisha Yearwood, Cheap Trick, Heart, Barenaked Ladies, and Willie Nelson in cancelling its upcoming performance at SeaWorld following intense public pressure fuelled by the popular documentary film Blackfish. After more than 2,500 people signed a Change.org petition, the American rock band has cancelled its previously scheduled concert at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida.

The band broke the news via Twitter, saying:

"Due to concerns regarding our February 16th appearance at SeaWorld, we have chosen to cancel the performance."

The petition was launched by a UK animal advocate inspired by the film Blackfish, and follows successful Change.org petitions asking Barenaked Ladies, Willie Nelson, Heart, Cheap Trick, and Trisha Yearwood to drop their performances at SeaWorld Orlando. REO Speedwagon's cancellation marks the point where more bands have publicly cancelled their SeaWorld performances than remain scheduled to play the annual Bands, Brew, and BBQ concert series.

Fans flocked to Change.org to urge REO Speedwagon to cancel:

Comments Austin S. of Lady Lake, CA: "I love REO speedwagon. They are the absolute coolest of the cool! I watched the 'Blackfish' documentary and from that I can only say that this band deserves so much better than playing at a place like that ... hope they wake up and know that playing for SeaWorld is also playing for something some fans may not appreciate at all."

Comments Donna N. of Stanhope, NJ: "I have been a fan of yours for 30 years please don't lower your standards by supporting seaworld and their abuse..watch blackfish and the cove"

Comments Sherman L. of Palmyra, PA: "You are one of my fav bands. Please do not associate yourself with Sea World. It is a happy place for people but a HORRIBLE place for the whales. The whales are forced to work and many were kidnapped from their family. Please do not play at Sea World."

Comments Lynn B. of Soquel, CA: "I have been a REO fan since the 70s. PLEASE do not play @ Seaworld. Show your support for the Orca's."

Comments Julie D. of Lakewood, OH: "As a huge fan, I know you have the moral compass and understanding to do the right thing."

SeaWorld's Bands, Brew, and BBQ online concert listing removed all previously listed artists since the criticism began, and animal advocates have used Change.org to persuade the majority of artists to cancel performances at the theme park. The remaining four musicians, Justin Moore, Scotty McCreery, Martina McBride, 38 Special, are under intense pressure to cancel their previously announced shows at SeaWorld.

The critically-acclaimed documentary Blackfish was short-listed for an Oscar for Best Documentary last week after gaining widespread public support. Many animal advocates continue to use the #Blackfish hashtag to organize on Twitter in addition to Change.org, Facebook, and other platforms.

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