Duran Duran to Play N.C. Show, Request Fans Sign an HB 2 Petition 

Duran Duran had plans to cancel their concert scheduled for Saturday in Charlotte, N.C., but instead they chose to perform to show their support to fans who oppose House Bill 2.

In a statement, the band called HB 2 "just plain old fashioned prejudice, fear and oppression, the same old kind that's blighted the human race, in varying degrees, for all of its history."

The group said they are opposed to bigotry and discrimination in all their "ugly forms, and so it follows that we are opposed to the basic premise of HB2." The law revokes all LGBT-inclusive antidiscrimination laws in North Carolina cities and prevents cities from enacting new ones; it also bars transgender people from using restrooms, locker rooms, and other sex-segregated facilities that match their gender identity, if those facilities are in government buildings.

Duran Duran called on their North Carolina fans who oppose the law to "register, so that you can vote; so that your voice can be heard." They asked fans to sign a petition that will be presented at the North Carolina General Assembly meeting April 25.

"You have the power to repeal this outdated and cruel legislation," they told fans.

They gave a shout-out to local LGBT organizations Equality North Carolina and Time Out Youth. The rockers mentioned that North Carolina Needs You, an organization dedicated to advising performers to continue playing their upcoming performances as a show of support for pro-LGBT North Carolinians, provided education and a role in helping them decide to go on with their performance in the state.

Yesterday folk singer Ani DiFranco canceled a show scheduled for July in protest of HB 2.

On Wednesday, Cyndi Lauper announced she would be playing a scheduled concert in North Carolina, but all the proceeds would be donated to a local LGBT organization.

Earlier the same day, Ringo Starr announced the cancellation of his June 18 show in protest of HB 2. In a press release, Starr says that he "stands with those fighting against the bigotry of HB 2." He apologized to his fans, saying, "I'm sorry to dissapoint my fans in the area, but we need to take a stand against this hatred. Spread peace and love."

Later that day, Mumford and Sons announced they would play a sold-out show in Charlotte, but all profits would be going to charity.

Last week, Bruce Springsteen announced he was canceling a show in Greensboro because of his opposition to HB 2. "Some things are more important than a rock show and this fight against prejudice and bigotry -- which is happening as I write -- is one of them," he said in a statement.

Comedian Joel McHale donated all of the profits from his recent performance in Durham to the LGBTQ Center of Durham to protest HB 2.