Disney’s Machine Headache

Heavy metal band Machine Head claims Disney has it out for the band, but the result sure hasn’t hurt the band’s public profile.

According to a statement by the band, the Mouse "pressured" Live Nation into canceling a Machine Head show at the House of Blues Anaheim, which sits on a plot of land owned by Disney Properties. When Machine Head blew the whistle on Disney, the company retaliated by canceling a second HoB performance, this time on Disney property in Orlando – according to the band.

The first show, scheduled September 7th, was moved to The Glass House in Pomona, Calif. – a shift the band blamed on the family-oriented sensibilities of Walt’s company.

Disney has halted all upcoming heavy metal concerts at the HoB location, according to the statement, and placed Machine Head "under an internal ‘review process’ that took five days before bothering to convey their alarming decision to the band late [September 5th]."

The band commended talent buyer Paul McGuigan for doing the "honorable thing" and moving the show to the Glass House, which is about 30 miles from Anaheim, on such short notice. The tour also includes Arch Enemy, Throwdown and Sanctity.

"Strangely, all other Black Tyranny dates at House of Blues venues on Disney property will remain unaffected," the band said, presumably referring to its September 15th date at Orlando’s House of Blues.

But the band sent out a second press release September 11th, claiming Walt Disney "once again pressured promoter Live Nation" into canceling the Orlando show in retaliation.

"While no one is willing to provide evidence that would prove unfavorable to Disney, sources close to events have suggested that once again, vague threats of liability, and now threats on job security may have been levied, successfully resulting in the show being moved off of Disney property."

If this is a policy for Disney, it’s a recent one. Acts to play HoB Anaheim this year include Snoop Dogg, The Game, Lacuna Coil / Shadows Fall, and Static X – not exactly family fare. HoB Orlando (which is actually in Lake Buena Vista) has hosted Rise Against, Hatebreed, Akon, Static X and Lacuna Coil / Shadows Fall.

Live Nation had no comment.