When Morrissey announced plans to tour the UK with a gig in Manchester, DJ Dave Haslam, organised a One Nation Under A Groove party protest to counter what he called his "divisive views, and his support for the far-right"...
"In recent years, the ex-Smiths singer's views on race have become particularly strident" Haslam added "Morrissey has described the Chinese people as 'a sub-species', heavily criticised Angela Merkel for opening German borders to refugees, and has gone on record supporting far-right figures like Anne Marie Waters and EDL founder Tommy Robinson. He does, however, claim to have 'Muslim friends'.
"Morrissey hasn't lived in the city for thirty years he lives abroad in tax exile and has now joined the ranks of various right-wing politicians, tax exiles, tabloids, and media hate-slingers seeking to divide our community" he added "Manchester is our home, it's a city built on immigration, a city with an amazing legacy of great bands and wonderful clubs.
"How do we counter the hate?" he added "Let the music do the talking; by throwing a free party, a celebratory all-dayer of beautifully diverse soul-filled, hope-filled music...Expect; solidarity, love, unity, positivity, reggae, funk, soul and disco."
Yesterday Morrissey cancelled his tour, due to 'logistical' reasons which are believed to be poor ticket sales. Yet the free One Nation Under A Groove gig is to go ahead as planned...
"It's a shame for the fans who made plans to see him, we know what it's like to be let down by Morrissey" state the organisers "If the dates are re-scheduled, we'll of course be happy once again to provide an alternative event in the city. One that counters Morrissey's support for Tommy Robinson and the far right.
"...So glad we raised the issue of Morrissey's divisive views" they add "No regrets about that at all. These things matter. We 100% believe in countering anyone who who spreads division in our society. We believe in #unity #solidarity #music and #love..."
As a consolation, any Morrissey fan who can produce an unused ticket on the day will get two for one cocktails...
Meanwhile, the fun Groove event will feature 15 DJs including Greg Thorpe (Drunk At Vogue), Irfan Rainy (Community), Chad Jackson, Dave Haslam, Jason Boardman & Elliot Eastwick (Yellow), Katbrownsugar, David Dunne (Funkademia), Sefton Madface, Bizzy B, Bear Growls, Abigail Ward, The Orielles (DJ set), Kath McDermott (Flesh), DJ Paulette (Flesh), Chris E (Better Days) and Dom (Blood & Fire).
Expect; solidarity, love, unity, positivity, reggae, funk, soul and disco.
One Nation Under A Groove
Sunday 8th July 8 free 3pm-midnight
Revolution, Deansgate Locks
Admission is free, but a collection will be taken, which will be donated to the charity Love Music Hate Racism.
For further details see the Facebook event page click here
July 14th also sees a celebration of forty years since the Manchester Carnival Against Racism plus a Love Music Hate Racism gig - for details click here
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