One hour before Graveland band members were expected to take the stage at the Plaza Theatre in Montreal, promoters for the sixth annual Messe des Morts music festival cancelled their performance.
Some thirty protesters gathered near the concert venue at Metro Beaubien Saturday afternoon, hours before the concert was to take place, to denounce the band’s alleged Neo-Nazi ties.
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Among those taking part in the protest was Alexandre Boulerice, federal MP for the New Democratic Party in the Rosemont-La-Petite-Patrie riding.
Boulerice said he was concerned that groups with fascist ties, or groups which had expressed ideas in line with white supremacist leanings were present in his riding.
“I understand that musicians are allowed to play their music but I believe that citizens who are uncomfortable with movements with ties to the extreme-right are also allowed to express their views.”
Organizers cited security concerns for the show’s cancellation, adding that they had done everything within their power to come up with a solution.
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While there was heavy police presence near the venue, police said a few scuffles did break out but were quickly contained.