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Michelle Joy, frontwoman for indie rock band Cannons, shared on social media Tuesday that she was recently groped by a concertgoer while she was performing onstage.
“While performing one of our last shows of the tour, I was groped on stage by an audience member,” she wrote in a black-and-white text post, shared to the band’s social media accounts. “It was one of the most uncomfortable things I’ve ever experienced and a complete invasion of my space, privacy, and body. It left me feeling unsafe and violated.”
Alongside the post, she included the caption, “Just want to create a safe space for ourselves and everyone at our shows so found this important to share today.”
Her post continued: “Sexual harassment will absolutely not be tolerated at any Cannons show. Especially being a female fronted band, we care deeply about our shows being a safe environment where not only women, but everyone regardless of gender, age, race, sex, etc. can come together and share in the joy of our music, ourselves included. If you ever feel unsafe or see something that doesn’t feel right, please let someone around you know. We encourage you to speak up, be kind, and take care of one another.”
Cannons — which formed 10 years ago in LA and also includes guitarist Ryan Clapham and bassist and keyboardist Paul Davis — scored their first Alternative Airplay No. 1 in 2021 when “Fire for You” topped the Jan. 30-dated chart. Initially released in 2019, “Fire for You” found a second life thanks to its 2020 appearance in Netflix’s Never Have I Ever.
On Wednesday (Oct. 25), the band took to Instagram Stories to thank fans for their kind words after Joy’s post about the onstage violation. “Reading through your comments now and just wanted to thank all of you for your kind words, encouragement and support, you all are truly THE BEST and we are sooo [grateful] to have such a wonderful fan base, love you very much!!!” they wrote. “Excited to keep moving forward and make live music a little safer for everyone, see you all again soon!”
KROQ DJ Megan Holiday was among the fans chiming in, writing in the comments section of the original post: “Ugh wtf is wrong with people?!! I’m so sorry Michelle. Sending you all the love and hope you’re okay.”
Next up, Cannons join Lovejoy and littleimage for a pair of concerts in Mesa, Arizona, on Dec. 13 and 14.
Stories about sexual assault allegations can be traumatizing for survivors of sexual assault. If you or anyone you know needs support, you can reach out to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN). The organization provides free, confidential support to sexual assault victims. Call RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE) or visit the anti-sexual violence organization’s website for more information.
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in London, joined by IDLES and Kojey Radical. He later collaborated with Fred Again.. on the electronic track “Lights Burn Dimmer,” which incorporates and reshapes elements from Jamie’s 2023 song “Hippodrome.”
During a conversation with Radio 1 presenter Jack Saunders on Wednesday, Aug. 19, Jamie called the collaboration a “big deal” for him. “That song, when I wrote it, I hadn’t realised until I heard Fred’s version how much hope was in the lyrics. I felt quite emotional when I heard Fred’s version, and his spin on it. That was really helpful for me, as I wrote that song at quite a difficult time in my life. To see it turned into a more euphoric thing was really quite lovely.”
Jamie will offer an early taste of the new album during a small, exclusive performance at Scala in London on Thursday, Aug. 20. The concert will be his first headline appearance since playing to 40,000 people at Finsbury Park, although he made a short guest appearance with Fred Again.. in February during the producer’s USB002 tour run at Alexandra Palace.
After breaking through in 2007 with the Mercury Prize nominated Panic Prevention, Jamie went on to release another four studio records, with each reaching the top 10 of the Official U.K. Albums Chart. He has also appeared at Glastonbury Festival on several occasions, including his widely praised headline performance on the Woodsies Stage in 2022.
Check out “3310” below.
