New Zealand Venues Cancel Philip Anselmo Shows Over 2016 ‘White Power’ Incident

Philip H. Anselmo
Jimmy Hubbard – Philip H. Anselmo

New Zealand venues canceled shows by former Pantera frontman Philip Anselmo over a 2016 “white power” incident.

The March 19 move came after a self-proclaimed white supremacist allegedly attacked two mosques in Christchurch March 15 while livestreaming, killing 50 and injuring 50 more.
Anselmo was booked August 2018 to play shows with The Illegals in Christchurch March 26 and Auckland March 27.
“We do not support white supremacy,” Christchurch’s The Club Tavern stated in announcing the cancellation.
Organisers of Auckland’s Galatos show took to Facebook that they felt “uncomfortable about proceeding with this show.”
In January 2016, footage of the singer ending a Dimebash benefit concert in Hollywood, Calif., with an apparent Nazi salute and a shout of “white power” went viral.
He subsequently wrote an apology saying he was “utterly responsible” for his mistakes. He stated, “I can only give you my word to no longer do them in the present, through ACTION, not just mere words.”
He stressed, “Anyone who knows me and my true nature knows that I don’t believe in any of that; I don’t want to be part of any group.”
Ben Mulchin of the NZ promoter Valhalla Touring said going ahead with the shows would cause a negative backlash.
He posted, “I just want to address this point right away – we would never book anyone with ‘white power’ or ‘white power politics’ or any other silly political agendas. No way.
“We need to make that very, very clear, as music is our livelihood.
“Phil Anselmo had an indiscretion a few years back while under the influence of substances that is widely documented; by making a very hurtful remark and idiotic gesture.
“I honestly don’t think Phil is racist, but regardless he has committed a pretty terrible act in 2016.”
Anselmo is currently touring Australia.
Meantime, New Zealand pop duo The Broods canceled its show in Christchurch out of respect for the victims, Auckland, Pacifika Festival unplugged itself “given the need to prioritise police resourcing following the terrible events in Christchurch” while active social media user Neil Finn of Crowded House cut off his channels saying,  “These platforms have enabled the spread of hateful ideology and I will not participate anymore.
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