The Demon Parade claim that an offer to support Courtney Love on her current Australian tour was rescinded after they were told they did not meet the necessary criteria. According to a post on the Melbourne psych-rockers’ Facebook page, Love requires more oestrogen in her opening bands.
“A couple of months ago we got offered the support for the Courtney Love tour – rad! Play Festival Hall and the Enmore! BOOM,” reads the band’s statement. “Perfect timing, just ahead of our next release! Unfortunately for us we were then told a few days later that we did not meet the criteria.”
According to the group, Love stipulates that her support bands “MUST consist of two females OR have a female lead singer.” Unfortunately for The Demon Parade, they have but one female guitarist in their group. The support slot eventually went to fellow Melbourne rockers The Mercy Kills.
“If she really wanted to help out female musicians, how come she’s got a backing band full of dudes?!” Demon Parade ask. “I do believe we’ve got the most talented and beautiful guitar goddess around who is sharing lead vocals on our next single which we’re about to drop next month.”
The band aren’t holding any grudges, telling Love fans to consider themselves lucky they get to see The Mercy Kills “and not The Veronicas like Courtney had originally requested.” Besides, “you get pretty used to things not going your way while playing in a hard working independent band.”
According to FasterLouder, tour promoters Lennard Promotions and the band have both confirmed they were never officially booked for the tour, reportedly being informed of Love’s requirements for support acts after Lennard Promotions supplied Love’s management with their press kit.
According to The Independent, a recent study found that men far outnumber women when it comes to performing at UK music festivals and particularly when it comes to headlining. Perhaps the notoriously divisive yet shrewd Love is onto something with her affirmative action campaign?
Watch: The Demon Parade – She’s Gonna Be A Star
