“AFL misreading the room again”, “Quite a bad call, AFL. It’s a solemn day, not a game that needs entertainment”, “Disgraceful”.
These are just a few of the hundreds of comments in response to AFL’s announcement that Birds of Tokyo will perform prior to the Essendon v Collingwood Anzac Day match on Thursday, April 25 at the MCG.
No. This is a just wrong. ANZAC Day is for remembrance and reflection. It’s not a celebration. The atmosphere at the ground pre-game is magical. What is wrong with you?? @AFL @AFL_House @CollingwoodFC @essendonfc #ANZAC
— Lindy Bassett (@lindybassett) April 18, 2019
This is absolutely disgusting and I hope the RSL comes out and condemns this strongly as should the football public. Reeks of the morons who say we “celebrate” anzac day instead of commemorate it. Sickening.
— Camille G (@Cami181) April 19, 2019
Poor call by headquarters this one
— Julian de Stoop (@JDESTOOP80_FOX) April 19, 2019
Birds of Tokyo will play three songs prior to the game next Thursday afternoon. The Australian Army Band is also set to perform. Naturally though, it’s Ian Kenny’s Perth-based band that has Twitter going batshit crazy over the AFL’s decision to even book pre-game entertainment.
As pointed out by Pedestrian however, it’s not the first time the AFL has booked pre-game entertainment for ANZAC Day; Cold Chisel guitarist Ian Moss performed prior to the game last year.
Birds of Tokyo are yet comment on the blasts of contention firing on Twitter. Perhaps it’s because everything is fine and dandy over on their Facebook page with the comments ranging from love heart emojis to “Great band at a Great game.”
There is one thing both Birds of Tokyo’s fans on Facebook and Twitter agree on though, that they should NOT play their new single, ‘Good Lord’.
Watch Birds Of Tokyo’s video for ‘Good Lord’ below:
