Heart Cancels SeaWorld Show Due to ‘Blackfish’ Controversy
Heart has joined the growing ranks of musicians refusing to play SeaWorld, pulling out of an upcoming show there over concerns about how the venue treats their captive whales.
The group made the following announcement on their Twitter page today: "Heart has chosen to decline their forthcoming performance at SeaWorld on 2/9/14 due to the controversial documentary film 'Black Fish.'" The CNN documentary, which first aired in October, details the killing of one of the park's trainers by an orca, and raises concerns about the humaneness and safety of keeping killer whales in captivity.
Guitarist and singer Nancy Wilson explained the group's decision further on her own Twitter page, revealing that "The Sea World show was planned long ago as an Orlando show. Had we known, we'd have said no then. We said no today."
Country legend Willie Nelson and the Canadian musical group the Barenaked Ladies have also recently cancelled shows at SeaWorld as a result of the issues raised by the film. Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee has been a frequent opponent of the park, criticizing their methods and publicly insisting that they not play his band's music during their 'Shamu Rocks' shows.
Watch Nancy Wilson Sing 'Baby Wild'