Icelandic musicians boycotting a local talk radio station for promoting prejudice 3521

One of Iceland‘s most beloved rock stars, Bubbi Morthens, has announced on his Facebook page he has banned the talk radio station Útvarp Saga, from playing his music. Previously a popular band called Ljótu hálfvitarnir had made a similar announcement.

Do you trust Muslims?
The radio station Útvarp Saga has been criticized in the past for spreading and encouraging prejudice, homophobia and xenophobia directed against immigrants and foreigners.  Earlier this month the station caused a stir when it published a poll on its website asking listeners whether they felt “Muslims could be trusted”. To many the poll was published when Icelanders were debating how Iceland could do more to respond to the humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean.

Many denounced the poll as it indicated all people of a certain faith could be treated as a homogeneous group, either worthy of trust or to be treated as criminals.

Demanded an apology and unhealthy cake
On September 19 the band Ljótu hálfvitarnir published a screenshot of the poll on its Facebook page, announcing the radio station could no longer play their music. The post was somewhat tongue in cheek, but the message was clear: The band refused to be associated in any way with hate speech.

We hereby announce that the radio station Útvarp Saga is not allowed, under any circumstances, to play our latest song, Hosiló, or any other music made by Ljótu hálfvitarnir has recorded, or will record in the future. This ban is in effect as long as Útvarp Saga continues to spread prejudice and misanthropy. If they stop those bad habits they have to say sorrý and bake us a cake. An unhealthy cake, not some health-food bullshit. Preferably with candy. After eating the cake we will then reconsider things.

However, we want to offer Muslims, and the rest of the people on earth, a free download as a gift.

Former punk-rocker blasts hateful and shameful stupidity 
The announcement by Bubbi, who is arguably a far bigger star than Ljótu hálfvitarnir, is more pointed, as he blasts the station for its shameful and stupid behaviour, noting that it is pathetic that adults, who one can only assume grew up experiencing love could flourish in the spiritual darkness which surrounds the studios of Útvarp Saga.

Bubbi’s announcement has been shared over 100 times and liked by over 270 people. Everyone who has commented on his announcement applauds his stance.

Bubbi is one of the most beloved musicians of Iceland. He became famous in the 1980s as the lead singer of punk rock and rock bands Utangarðsmenn and Egó before launching a solo career. He has remained outspoken throughout his career, staying true to his working class roots.

One of Iceland‘s most beloved rock stars, Bubbi Morthens, has announced on his Facebook page he has banned the talk radio station Útvarp Saga, from playing his music. Previously a popular band called Ljótu hálfvitarnir had made a similar announcement.

Do you trust Muslims?
The radio station Útvarp Saga has been criticized in the past for spreading and encouraging prejudice, homophobia and xenophobia directed against immigrants and foreigners.  Earlier this month the station caused a stir when it published a poll on its website asking listeners whether they felt “Muslims could be trusted”. To many the poll was published when Icelanders were debating how Iceland could do more to respond to the humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean.

Many denounced the poll as it indicated all people of a certain faith could be treated as a homogeneous group, either worthy of trust or to be treated as criminals.

Demanded an apology and unhealthy cake
On September 19 the band Ljótu hálfvitarnir published a screenshot of the poll on its Facebook page, announcing the radio station could no longer play their music. The post was somewhat tongue in cheek, but the message was clear: The band refused to be associated in any way with hate speech.

We hereby announce that the radio station Útvarp Saga is not allowed, under any circumstances, to play our latest song, Hosiló, or any other music made by Ljótu hálfvitarnir has recorded, or will record in the future. This ban is in effect as long as Útvarp Saga continues to spread prejudice and misanthropy. If they stop those bad habits they have to say sorrý and bake us a cake. An unhealthy cake, not some health-food bullshit. Preferably with candy. After eating the cake we will then reconsider things.

However, we want to offer Muslims, and the rest of the people on earth, a free download as a gift.

Former punk-rocker blasts hateful and shameful stupidity 
The announcement by Bubbi, who is arguably a far bigger star than Ljótu hálfvitarnir, is more pointed, as he blasts the station for its shameful and stupid behaviour, noting that it is pathetic that adults, who one can only assume grew up experiencing love could flourish in the spiritual darkness which surrounds the studios of Útvarp Saga.

Bubbi’s announcement has been shared over 100 times and liked by over 270 people. Everyone who has commented on his announcement applauds his stance.

Bubbi is one of the most beloved musicians of Iceland. He became famous in the 1980s as the lead singer of punk rock and rock bands Utangarðsmenn and Egó before launching a solo career. He has remained outspoken throughout his career, staying true to his working class roots.