Pearl Jam, Boston cancel North Carolina concerts over new LGBT law

Members of the band Pearl Jam, from left, lead guitar player Mike McCreedy, vocalist Eddie Vedder and drummer Matt Cameron. Not in photo are bassist Jeff Ament and rhythm guitar player Stone Gossard. AP FILE PHOTO

RALEIGH, N.C. — Two rock bands have become the latest to cancel concerts in North Carolina because of the state’s new law on LGBT rights.

In a statement issued Monday on the band’s website, Pearl Jam called the law “a despicable piece of legislation that encourages discrimination against an entire group of American citizens.”

The statement says the band has communicated with local groups and will give them money to oppose the law.

Pearl Jam was scheduled to perform April 20 at PNC Arena in Raleigh.

Earlier Monday, the rock group Boston also announced plans to cancel concerts because of North Carolina’s new law regarding the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Guitarist Tom Scholz announced the group’s decision on its Facebook page. Concerts were scheduled for Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh early next month. TVJ