An Alabama venue has cancelled a concert by guitarist Ted Nugent following an outcry over the American singer’s political views.

The self-styled “political firebrand” was slated to perform at the Avondale Brewing Company in Birmingham on 18 July as part of his farewell tour, Adios Mofo.

However, the 2,000-cap venue and promoter Red Mountain Entertainment have pulled the show just days after it was announced after receiving a torrent of criticism for the booking.

“We have heard the concerns of the Avondale community”

AL.com describes Nugent, who performed at a Trump rally in Waco, Texas, earlier this year, as “an outspoken advocate for hunting and gun ownership rights and an equally ardent opponent of animal rights”. He has also faced accusations of homophobia, transphobia and misogyny.

“We have heard the concerns of the Avondale community, which is so important to us, and in conjunction with our partners, have taken the necessary steps to cancel the Ted Nugent concert scheduled for July 18,” writes the venue on Instagram Stories.

In response to the cancellation, the Michigan-born 74-year-old posted a link to the AL.com article on his Facebook page, adding: “Liars & haters drunk on stupid incapable to debate me.”

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The LGBTIQ+ List 2022 – IQ Magazine’s second annual celebration of queer professionals who make an immense impact in the international live music business – was published in the Pride edition (issue 112) last month.

The July 2022 issue, which is available to read now, was made possible thanks to support from Ticketmaster. 

To get to know this year’s queer pioneers a little better, we interviewed each individual on their challenges, triumphs, advice and more.

Throughout the next month, IQ will publish a new interview each day. Catch up on the previous interview with James Fleury, marketing lead at TicketSwap in the Netherlands.

The series continues with Jill Wheeler (she/her/hers), promoter at Red Mountain Entertainment/Live Nation in the US.

Tell us about a personal triumph in your career
A huge accomplishment in my career thus far has to be bringing Van Morrison to Birmingham [Alabama] for the first time.

What advice could you give to young queer professionals?
Always be true to yourself. Work hard, show up on time, but never forget who you are.

Tell us about a professional challenge you’ve come across as a queer person in the industry
I haven’t experienced challenges due to being a queer person, but there are many we all still face as women. We still live in a man’s world.

“I haven’t experienced challenges due to being a queer person, but there are many we all still face as women”

One thing the live industry could do to be a more inclusive place
The industry could be a more inclusive place by targeting the entire queer community in all advertising for all shows – not just gay shows. We come in all stripes. It would also be beneficial to provide gender-neutral bathrooms in all places of work and beyond.

A cause you support
I support many causes and organisations, such as the Yellowhammer Fund (which is an Alabama-based women’s clinic), Suicide Prevention for Teens, and feeding our local food-insecure families.

The queer act you’re itching to see live this year
Perfume Genius.

Your favourite queer space
Bonnaroo – a festival that always makes space for the queer community!

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