Ethereal post-rock band Sigur Rós are headed to Australia this July for Splendour in the Grass, and are set to play a Melbourne sideshow on July 27. The thing is, they’re scheduled to play at Margaret Court Arena.
Quick recap if you haven’t been following the controversy: former tennis champ Margaret Court recently came out in protest of Qantas’ support of same-sex marriage. Other tennis greats have come out to slam Court’s comments, some even calling for the Melbourne arena named after Court to be renamed.
The news has made international headlines, even prompting the Reykjavík-based Sigur Rós to release a statement about their impending appearance at Margaret Court Arena.
“Our next Melbourne show is set to take place on July 27th at Margaret Court Arena. Our fans and friends have made us aware of recent comments by Margaret Court regarding her opposition to Qantas’s support of same-sex marriage in Australia, and her wider views on race and sexuality.
“We want to add our voice to the call for marriage equality in Australia,” the Icelandic trio have said. “Australia should be a country that celebrates positivity and inclusion, as well as achievement on the sporting field.”
Recalling the decision for same-sex marriage to be recognised in the Icelandic constitution way back in 1996, Sigur Rós want to show their support for same-sex marriage legislation in Australia – and they’ll be doing so with a very special fundraising initiative.
“We’ve decided to commission a special tee-shirt for this Melbourne show, which we’ll also sell at our Sydney show and at Splendour in the Grass, proceeds of which will go towards support of Australian Marriage Equality.
“Let’s make July 27th Margaret Court Arena’s most inclusive night ever and call for every Australian to have the same dignity and respect right here on centre court.”
Right on, guys.