by Go Kart

This is certainly an interesting development and a reflection on how the increasingly polarized politics in the punk scene is affecting bands. This comes from Go-Kart Records:

Unfortunately, the Pseudo Heroes have to experience disturbing problems at various venues here in Europe. Several show dates have been cancelled at short notice. It occurred that this happened due to Sam being also a part of Down By Law which seems to lead to him being associated with the conservative movement. A few weeks ago, Down By Law/Dag Nasty frontman Dave Smalley contributed writings to a website called conservativepunk.com. Please read here how Sam feels about this situation.

The link is to a column Sam Williams wrote for Enough Fanzine. It states his political affiliation and how, despite his own views, his band has had to deal with negative reactions from punks reacting to his association with Down By Law. From the article

"Im not a radical left-wing, vegan-reich punk rocker. Im just your average, left-leaning human being. However, I have recieved some very disappointing treatment from the left-wing faction of the punk subculture. Why? Because a friend of mine wrote a semi-conservative article on a website… I would like to clear my name from affliation with the moderately conservative ideals of my friends. At the same time, I would like to send out a big fuck you to the people that are trying to make things harder for me by making my own diy efforts more difficult because of words that I didnt write and dont agree with. You are not punk. And you are punishing someone that will be voting against George Bush in the coming election. Congratulations. Punk used to be about social freedom to be who you are and speak your mind. Now it seems it's just an excuse to exclude at any chance you might get. At least it seems some people think that way. Dont be one of those people."