Band refusedvisa for Cityof Culture gig

A ROCK and roll band described by Rolling Stone as “ramshackle, raw and utterly convincing” were stopped from attending an international music event in Londonderry UK City of Culture 2013 on Friday.
The Wanton Bishops.The Wanton Bishops.
The Wanton Bishops.

The Wanton Bishops joked that the Border Agency refused them visas because they thought they wanted to set up a kebab shop. The Beirut group were to play the Sounds from Cities on the Edge stage curated by the Exit Festival, Novi Sad, in Ebrington. But the band, whose music “echoes the soul of their crumbling city,” according to MTV, were denied a visa.

The group responded on a social networking web site, stating: “So, we just got refused out visas to the the UK, because apparently the Border Agency think we want to go open a shawarma shop in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. On a happier note, apparently we’re number five at Virgin Megastore, sandwiched in between two Lana Del Rey albums. Incidentally, we’re opening for Ms. Del Rey on July 10 at Byblos International Festival.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

One follower of the band commented: “Damn, they have uncovered our plan to open a chain of The Wanton Bishops-themed kebab shops across the British Isles.”

Another said: “They refused ur visas because of their stupidity and rudeness.” One joked: “maybe its your terrorist looking beard.” And another said ‘Make shawarma not war.”