The influence of Blackfish continues, particularly in the world of entertainment. First it got Pixar to change the plot of its upcoming animated sequel Finding Dory. Now it’s changed the minds of the band Barenaked Ladies. After fans petitioned for them not to play a scheduled concert at a SeaWorld park next year, they went ahead and canceled. They let everyone know about their decision in a post on Facebook:
This is a complicated issue, and we don’t claim to understand all of it, but we don’t feel comfortable proceeding with the gig at this time […]We here at Barenaked Ladies have made a decision based on what we feel. It’s not about money, or petitions, or press… But it is about our fans. We listen to them, and they’re important to us.
SeaWorld has meanwhile invited the band to see their operation in order to show their side of the issue. But that isn’t really the point. Barenaked Ladies are not really speaking out against the parks or encouraging a boycott. They’re simply avoiding a venue because their fans are against it.
