Byron Bluesfest director Peter Noble remains defiant on Sticky Fingers controversy

Bluesfest director Peter Noble has once again defended controversial band Sticky Fingers, saying there’s other who have “done worse”.

Byron Bluesfest director Peter Noble says the controversial lead singer of the Sticky Fingers is “heroic” as artists and music fans revolt over the band’s appearance at the upcoming festival.

Outrage has followed the popular festival after it was announced that the Sydney band would be a part of the line-up for the festival in Byron Bay in April, with frontman Dylan Frost facing allegations of abusive behaviour in the past.

Sampa The Great pulled out of Bluesfest on Wednesday, just days after popular Band King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard cancelled their performance due to the issue.

Bluesfest director Peter Noble has made another statement about the Sticky Fingers controversy. Picture: Instagram

“I want to support him in his efforts at redemption and being able to once again take part in the Australian music industry for the gifted musician that he is,” Mr Noble said on ABC’s RN Drive.

“I think his efforts are heroic in fact.”

Mr Noble also questioned why the band had endured cancel culture for a number of years.

“We have so many people working in our industry who’ve done worse, is my point,” he said.

“Why is he the poster boy? I’ve heard allegations out there of people in our industry of people who have repeatedly sexually abused people.”

In an email sent to ticket holders on Wednesday - seen by the NCA NewsWire – Mr Noble “doubled down” on his decision to keep Sticky Fingers on the line-up of the festival.

King Gizzard said they were "surprised and saddened" by Bluesfest's decision to feature Sticky Fingers in their line-up.

Sampa The Great announced her decision to cancel her performance days after King Gizzard.

“I question why there is such an ongoing witch-hunt toward a man with a mental health disorder,” Mr Noble said.

“A man who is attempting to grow and function in society.”

Frontman Dylan Frost announced in recent years that he was diagnosed with bipolar schizophrenia after allegations of abusive behaviour, including that he was physically threatening towards indigenous singer Thelma Plum.

Mr Noble defended Mr Frost, saying he was not in control of his actions as he was “having a psychotic phase”.

“At some point let’s be realistic here, the man has an illness, a disease, and we’re not showing any shred of forgiveness all these years later.”

Mr Noble has boiled his decision down to inclusivity, saying he wants to support artists.

“I hoped it didn’t need to be said, but unfortunately, it does. We at Bluesfest stand for something: inclusivity,” he said.

“We want to support artists who are achieving greatness, which often involves overcoming incredible hurdles.”

An email was sent to ticketholders on Wednesday calling the controversy a “witch-hunt”. Picture: Supplied

Mr Noble said the decision to keep Sticky Fingers on the line-up was a matter of inclusivity. Picture Supplied

Mr Noble asked his ticket holders to educate themselves on “facts” regarding Sticky Fingers and went on to say they have “taken ownership of their situation”.

“They aren’t monsters; they are a seriously great Australian band whose singer has had to overcome barriers that would have sidelined all but the most determined to continue to perform.

WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?!!? #bluesfestpic.twitter.com/I14AoEzu1c

— JAGUAR JONZE (@JaguarJonze) February 22, 2023

“Yes, he has transgressed in the past, but not for many years.

“Shouldn't we forgive and provide a path to redemption for artists who have taken ownership of their situation and have proven for many years now that they have found a way to function responsibly?

“Is Australia the only place in the world where a minority attempts to ban one of Australia’s great bands over something that happened so many years ago?

“I want to thank the vast majority of the music industry for supporting inclusivity. Make us proud, Dylan; you are doing great!”

Two days ago, Mr Noble made a statement saying he did not endorse Frost’s actions.

“It has been suggested that because of the listing of Sticky Fingers, Bluesfest and I endorsed the lead singer‘s ancient troubled behaviour,” he said.

Byron Bay Bluesfest did not want to comment further when contacted by NCA NewsWire.