Geordie Greep, the former Black Midi frontman, has called off multiple dates on his current tour after an allegation of sexual misconduct, which he has denied. Rolling Stone, Billboard and Pitchfork all reported the cancellations, which followed a show on Thursday, Oct. 8, where he addressed the claim directly with the audience.
What happened at the Pearl
According to Billboard and Rolling Stone, someone outside the Pearl venue gave concertgoers flyers that labeled Greep a rapist and referred to something he had done that morning. Greep took the stage about an hour late and without his backing band, and he opened the set by responding to the flyers.
He told the crowd that he and some of his bandmates had been out at bars the night before and met people, and that at a late house party he misread a situation with someone and made a move that was not reciprocated. He said he apologized quickly, called it a misunderstanding on his part, and said he felt extremely sorry. In his words, as quoted by Billboard: "I would never rape a woman. I’m not a rapist. It’s not how that went down."
Greep said he was playing solo because he did not want to make his band perform in the circumstances. He also said proceeds from the show would go to an organization that supports victims of sexual violence. Billboard reported that he told the audience refunds or leaving were fine, and that he wanted to be transparent.
The cancellations
Rolling Stone reported that the Friday and Saturday shows, plus two the following week, were canceled, and that ticket buyers were told their purchases had been refunded, with no further statement. Pitchfork reported that, as of Oct. 10, those dates were either listed as canceled on venue sites or no longer appeared.
The outlets differ on the tour's closing dates. Rolling Stone and Billboard said both had not been canceled at press time, while Pitchfork said one of the two no longer appeared and the other was still scheduled. Greep is also due to begin a further run of dates on Nov. 1. Pitchfork and Billboard said they had contacted his representatives for comment.
Why it matters
Greep has publicly denied the allegation while acknowledging an encounter that left someone uncomfortable. How much of the remaining schedule survives will show how promoters and venues respond while the story develops.
Reporting sources: Music News, “Geordie Greep Cancels Tour Dates Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegation” · RSS: News, “Geordie Greep Shows Cancelled Following Sexual Misconduct Allegations” · Billboard, “Geordie Greep Responds to Sexual Misconduct Allegation, Cancels Tour Dates”.