Sign up to Roisin O’Connor’s free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music
Get our Now Hear This email for free
Jack White has spoken out in support of two women who were barred from kissing during one of his concerts.
Allyson Maclvor attended White’s show at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Canada on Friday night with a female friend. The two women, who are not in a relationship, were “caught up in the moment” as White sang The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army” and went to kiss each other, CBC reported.
“I embraced my girlfriend, and some staff member came in between us, and she said, ‘This is not allowed here,’” the concert-goer told the publication.
The usher asked the two women to stop and put her hand between them, according to Maclvor.
“It was very violating and invasive,” MacIvor added. “It’s not something I’d ever imagine experiencing, honestly.”
The employee took the pair to talk to a manager, who apologised “profusely”, but it wasn’t enough to relieve the “hurt” that came from the experience, Maclvor said.
Maclvor, a professional musician, wrote about the incident on her Facebook page. That was the first time she publicly discussed being gay.
Her post has received hundreds of supportive comments, including one from White himself.
The former White Stripes frontman took to Instagram on Tuesday to share a photo of two women kissing during a Beatles concert in 1964, saying the image is dear to his heart.
Best pictures from the 2018 Taipei Gay Pride March in Taiwan
Show all 35
“This is one of my favourite photos because of how beautiful the situation is; they are hiding in plain sight. It's 2018 now and two people expressing affection shouldn’t have to hide,” he wrote.
“The news that two women were stopped from kissing during my show in Edmonton really disappointed me.”
Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events
White explained that during a later show in Calgary, he dedicated his song “Love Interruption” to Maclvor and her friend, while encouraging members the audience to share a kiss with their loved ones.
”Let’s promote love and acceptance wherever and whenever we can,” White added.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies