SeaWorld is scrambling to find acts to fill the lineup for the "Bands, Brews & BBQ" music event this weekend, but it managed to come through in the clutch, adding Alan Jackson and Kid Rock on Wednesday. The event had seen most of its original lineup pull out regarding potential backlash from the documentary Blackfish.
The film followed in the wake of trainer Dawn Brancheau's death during a performance with orca Tilikum. It was later revealed that the killer whale had been involved with the death of two other marine park employees previously. The film argued against the logic of maintaining such potentially dangerous creature in captivity, and argued that marine parks such as SeaWorld did so in less than unethical methods. The park has denied all of the claims made by the documentary, but its influence has pushed viewers and entertainers to cut ties.
Acts that dropped out of the "Bands, Brews & BBQ" event following pressure from fans (and honest disgust) include Trace Adkins, the Barenaked Ladies, Cheap Trick, Heart, Martina McBride, Willie Nelson, Trisha Yearwood and 38 Special. Other acts including The Beach Boys and Pat Benatar have pulled of performances at other SeaWorld establishments. SeaWorld says the performers have mistaken notions, and that they're welcome to check out the park's facilities at any time.
"We're disappointed a small group of misinformed individuals was able to deny fans what would have been great concerts at SeaWorld," said Nick Gollattscheck, a spokesman for the company.
Music Times doesn't have much room to comment, as we haven't seen Black Fish yet, but we watched this video of an orca killing a great white shark. And we don't really want a killer whale around us anymore.
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