Confederate Railroad is firing back after they were removed from the concert line up at an upcoming state fair in Illinois over its name and use of the Confederate flag.
Confederate Railroad was tapped to play the Du Quoin State Fair on Aug. 27 in Du Quoin, Ill. as part of “90s Country ReLoaded Day.
The band did confirm they had been removed from the show by the Illinois Department of Agriculture because of the name of the band and use of Confederate flag.
In a statement from band member, Danny Shirley, “This was very disappointing as we have played this fair before and enjoyed it very much,” read the lengthy statement by lead singer Danny Shirley. “The outpouring of support from Confederate Railroad fans, fans of other acts, and the public in general, has been both overwhelming and very much appreciated. I would also like to thank the actors, athletes and fellow country music artists who have spoken out in support.”
Shirley’s statement continued: “Live concerts are how we pay our bills and feed our families. I would never want to see another act lose a payday because of this. Please go out to hear these two great bands. As I have said many times onstage, I am by no means a saint but, I am a man of faith and I have faith that God will see us through this as well as whatever comes next!”
The band’s response came after their performance cancellation was first addressed by the fair’s manager, Josh Gross, in a statement provided to the Du Quoin Weekly.
The statement read, “The Illinois Department of Agriculture has removed Confederate Railroad from our 2019 Du Quoin State Fair Grandstand lineup,” Gross said. “While every artist has a right to expression, we believe this decision is in the best interest of serving all of the people in our state.”
Fellow musician and country music legend Charlie Daniels was one of many to voice their displeasure with the State Fair’s decision, tweeting on July 5, “This political correctness thing is totally out of control.”
A Facebook group has since been created over the band’s treatment and had garnered nearly 2,800 members as of Tuesday.
