Odd Future to play Auckland show despite Big Day Out axing

Tyler, the Creator and the rest of his Odd Future crew are set to perform in Auckland at their own solo show. Photo / YouTube

Controversial rap group Odd Future is set to perform in Auckland despite being removed from the New Zealand leg of the Big Day Out.

Odd Future, an 11-strong Los Angeles collective led by outspoken front man Tyler, The Creator, was axed from Auckland's Big Day Out bill on Friday after complaints were raised about the band's homophobic lyrics.

But in a statement, Big Day Out promoter Ken West said he was negotiating a separate sideshow in Auckland for the group.

"We are currently in discussions with Odd Future and will be announcing their own solo show for Auckland in the coming weeks," he said.

That's news that's likely to anger Wellington man Calum Bennachie, who wrote to Big Day Out promoters, saying: "lyrics such as those played by Odd Future increase the societal discourse against LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender] people, a discourse that encourages bullying and violence.

"If it is acceptable to say something similar to "gays are a cancer on society that deserves to be eliminated'', then what group would be next?

"By allowing Odd Future to play at BDO, you are proving that you have little concern for the lives and welfare of LGBT people, that you are willing to endanger their lives, and seek to encourage stigmatisation against them. I find this disappointing in an organisation that could do so much to enhance the self esteem of youth, reduce stigma, and discourage violence.''

Auckland Council intervened after Mr Bennachie contacted Sandra Coney, chairwoman of the council's Parks and Heritage Forum.

Auckland Council owns Big Day Out venue Mt Smart Stadium.

Odd Future member Domo Genesis seemed proud of the decision, sending out this tweet: "how many people can say they are banned from new zealand? haha".

Tyler, The Creator has denied accusations his lyrics are homophobic.

"I'm not homophobic,'' he told magazine NME.

"I just think 'faggot' hits and hurts people. It hits. And 'gay' just means you're stupid. I don't know, we don't think about it, we're just kids. We don't think about that shit. But I don't hate gay people. I don't want anyone to think I'm homophobic.''

It is not the first time an act has been pulled from the Big Day Out over homophobic views.

Performer Beenie Man was pulled from the 2010 event after gay rights groups expressed outrage at his invitation due to lyrics such as: "I'm dreaming of a new Jamaica, come to execute all the gays".

The Big Day Out is set to be held on January 20, 2012 and also features Soundgarden, Kanye West, Kasabian and Foster the People.

- Herald online