The list of musicians unwilling to perform at the Republican Convention in Cleveland keeps growing. First it was Joe Walsh who pulled out of a concert scheduled for July 17th in Cleveland after he found out it was misrepresented as an event to benefit veterans, but was actually a GOP sponsored event. In a statement published yesterday he said:

"It was my understanding that I was playing a concert which was a non partisan event to benefit the families of American veterans on Monday, July 17 in Cleveland. The admat I approved said this specifically. Today it was announced that this event is, in fact, a launch for the Republican National Convention. In addition, my name is to be used to raise sponsorship dollars for convention-related purposes. Therefore, I must humbly withdraw my participation in this event with apologies to any fans or veterans and their families that I might disappoint.

I am very concerned about the rampant vitriol, fear-mongering and bullying coming from the current Republican campaigns. It is both isolationist and spiteful. I cannot in good conscience endorse the Republican party in any way. I will look at doing a veteran related benefit concert later this year."

Cheap Trick told the Guardian that they were approached by the head honchos at the GOP convention and offered a staggering amount, but it was clearly not enough. They explained:

“The Republican National Committee called our office and offered us $100,000 to play at their convention in Cleveland [this summer]. We turned it down. Then we had second thoughts. Maybe we should have accepted it – but we would all have got swastika guitars made.”

I would have paid good money to see Cheap Trick pull out their swastika covered guitars, especially if Trump becomes the nominee. It would have been a fitting tribute to what the GOP has become. Which is exactly the message they were sending.

Well done.