Portugal. The Man pull out of Sunrise performance

Alaskan band Portugal. The Man has pulled out of a scheduled performance on Sunrise this morning. The band cited recent comments about the indigenous population of Australia on the show as reasoning.

Currently touring the country with Groovin The Moo, the band released a statement via Twitter about their choice to not perform on the polarising show.

https://twitter.com/portugaltheman/status/991216644381904896

The band did not cite a specific incident which caused them to pull out of the performance – most likely because the show has been called out numerous times in recent months over statements made about the Indigenous people of Australia.

Sunrise was most recently called out for hosting a panel of non-Indigenous people discussing whether it was time for another Stolen Generation. The panelists had no background in Indigenous affairs, an incredibly complex subject.

A protest at the studios following these comments was hidden from viewers with stock footage behind the presenters being used instead of the usual live footage.

The fact that the panel even happened – and considered that discussion necessary, is ridiculous. However this is not the first time Sunrise has got into trouble for the views expressed on the show.

Portugal. The Man’s choice to cancel their performance has been met with praise from most people. They also asked Uncle Allen Madden to introduce them at their show last night at the Enmore Theatre.

Madden is a board member of Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council and a traditional owner of the Gadigal land on which the Enmore Theatre is located.

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.