Some attendees of the Humboldt Broncos tribute concert are expressing disappointment with the emcees of the event.
A comedy duo from the United States called Williams and Ree were the hosts for the concert, which was put on by Country Thunder Music Festivals on Friday night at Saskatoon’s SaskTel Centre.
“We told you we were not politically correct, so please no one be offended by anything that may slip out here tonight,” Terry Ree told the crowd.
“For one thing we bill ourselves as the Indian and the white guy, that ain’t right,” Bruce Williams said right after.
Despite their attempts to downplay the routine, some attendees had heard enough and took to social media.
Ashley Hricz attended the concert and she said she was appalled by what she heard.
Get breaking National news
One instance included Williams and Ree cover of Luke Bryan’s Country Girl singing, “Indian boy shake it for me boy, shake it for me boy, shake it for me.”
“Shake it from the river, shake it from the trees, shake it for the Indian with STDs,” Williams sang.
“Every time they came out it got worse and worse and worse. It really put a damper on the night,” said Hricz.
“We felt sick. We really did. It did not sit well with any of us.”
“When you have something so special, a tribute concert for a tragedy and people are there to pay their respects and mourn, then to have that in between, it was unacceptable,” said Hricz.
On Saturday night, Williams and Ree posted an apology on Facebook, saying: “Williams and Ree sincerely apologize to all offended by their humor at the recent show in Saskatoon. The Great Province of Saskatchewan has been under a tremendous amount of strain and heartache and we failed to take into account situational awareness and its toll on the citizens who live therein. Peace and love to all.”
A spokesperson for Country Thunder Music Festivals said he had not received any complaints.
“As you know, Williams & Ree are veteran comedians who are approaching their 50th year in show business. I guess it’s true that not everyone is going to appreciate every joke and I’m sorry if anyone has been offended in any way during what was a spectacular evening,” said Gerry Krochak, director of marketing and media relations.
“I think the bit referenced here is the duo’s parody of the Luke Bryan hit, Country Girl, which typically gets huge laughs. Bryan will be playing at Country Thunder Saskatchewan in July.”
Proceeds from the concert went towards the 29 families affected by the bus crash on April 6.
Comments