Motley Crue Protest Shot Down

MOTLEY CRUE PROTEST SHOT DOWN:

May 1, 2008

Bayfest organizer Michele Stokley wants Sarnia Coun. Dave Boushy to know a member of Motley Crue was once invited to the White House to talk about overcoming drug addiction.

“Nikki Sixx can speak in Washington, but Boushy says he shouldn’t come to Sarnia? If you know nothing about the band, how can you judge them?” Stokley asked.

Boushy tried Monday to convince city council the city should have some say about what acts perform at Bayfest.

He said Motley Crue’s off-stage antics are “pornographic” and could harm the city’s image.

Council did not support him, and several members said they don’t want to become a censor board for outdoor events, even those on city-owned property.

Boushy’s moral outrage over Motley Crue’s July 10 appearance in Centennial Park unleashed a flood of comment supporting the band on websites Tuesday.

His stance also prompted phone calls to the home of Gord Park, the Mooretown grandfather who first drew Boushy’s attention to Motley Crue’s outrageous behaviour.

Park is appealing to churches, politicians, service clubs and protection agencies to mobilize to stop such acts from performing in Sarnia.

Park said Tuesday he regrets the publicity the debate is generating for the band. But it’s a small price to pay to make a point, he said.

“My intent is to see how awake the community is to this. I’m not against Bayfest, but there should be a level of professionalism expected.”

Churches, service clubs and councillors have already contacted him, Park said.

“There’s been an enormous reaction and I’d say 99 per cent is in favour of my opinion,” Park said. “People are saying this world is on a downward spiral. I’m not just talking about Motley Crue, I’m talking about any kind of trash.”

Park is disappointed council didn’t support Boushy’s attempt to have input on Bayfest’s lineup.

“I just hope groups like the Women’s Interval Home and other protection agencies that combat drugs and sex abuse can handle the repercussions of what’s being promoted.”

Stokley said controversy over Bayfest acts is nothing new and she expects no trouble from Motley Crue.

“The band has been around for years and plays in many city parks,” she said. “Motley Crue will arrive, play for 90 minutes, and be gone.”

Courtesy of lfpress.ca