Fans Called To 'Boycott' Artists For Supporting 'Animal Abuse' By Performing At Cup Carnival

As Melbourne Cup day comes around every year the calls to say #NupToTheCup grow louder and louder, with many commenting on the alleged animal abuse that the cup and the horse racing industry inflicts on animals. This year artists are being used as cannon fodder with the Coalition For The Protection Of Racehorces releasing a list of artists who are performing at the Cup Carnival, asking fans to boycott them.

The post reads, "The following music artists are performing at the Cup Carnival. If these are artists you follow, maybe consider politely expressing your disappointment in them endorsing animal abuse."

The artists include Baker Boy, Birds Of Tokyo, Sheppard, Carl & Eric's Hot Sauce, Crooked Colours, Hot Dub Time Machine, KLP & Stace Cadet, SGT Slick, Sneaky Sound System, Sunshine & Disco Faith Choir, Sweet Mix Kids, Teddy Cream & Wafia. 

Many artists have not have live music opportunities for years, with the COVID pandemic sending many artists into one of the most difficult periods to be an entertainer in history. While we are firmly #NupToTheCup, it's important to not just boycott these artists, but rather to open a dialogue with them and begin a conversation over why it might be unethical to perform at the Cup.

“I think it's a bit unfair and unreasonable to boycott professional musicians - they have had a very difficult time since the pandemic and deserve to earn a living,” one commenter said.

“I'm sure they don't consider YOUR personal ethics as a reason for not taking an offer of paid work. It's not their fault they have to take gigs where they can. This is in very poor taste.”

Another added: “I know I'll receive a lot of hate but professional musicians have been out of work for two years. By all means, complain but not boycott, or they will have to do the same next year.”

In response, Louise Sawilejskij, who works in music management, said that “everyone is struggling”, even “the big names”.

“I know some of these artists would have really struggled to make the decision to play or not. If an artist I manage was asked - it would be very hard to work out the right thing to do when you also have a family to support and Christmas is coming.

“Getting past the last 2+ years has been hard enough, but now so many festivals and events have already been cancelled due to floods and bad weather. Literally hundreds of thousands lost. Complain yes, but please don’t boycott!!”

All the above acts were apart of the music line up for the Melbourne Cup Carnival which runs from October the 29th til November the 5th. The line up sees the acts perform at The Park Live Stage from Victoria Derby day to Melbourne Cup Day, Oaks Day, Champion Stakes Day. 

You can check out the call out post below.