The eagerly anticipated Rockin’ The River concert in Wilkes-Barre is facing uncertainty this Friday as controversy surrounds the chosen replacement band. The AC/DC tribute band, Halfway To Hell, is under scrutiny due to the founder’s past legal issues, leading to potential cancellation of their performance.
Forrest Kline, the founder of Halfway To Hell, who pleaded guilty to a felony sex crime in 2008, is at the center of this controversy. Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo, who was informed of Kline’s past, is contemplating the band’s participation. “I was made aware of it,” Crocamo stated. “I am going to review it, and I’ll have a decision by Thursday.”
Attempts to reach Kline for comment through the band’s website have been unsuccessful, though Kline reportedly informed WNEP-TV that he will not be performing.
Rockin’ The River Lineup Changes
The concert series, organized by Visit Luzerne County and the Riverfront Parks Committee, originally featured Philadelphia’s Low Cut Connie. Concerns about the band’s content led to their replacement by Halfway To Hell, despite no public explanation from the organizers. Low Cut Connie’s frontman, Adam Weiner, expressed disappointment over the unexplained cancellation, attributing it to political motives linked to his views on diversity and immigration enforcement.
Weiner, whose band received a $10,000 payout despite the cancellation, criticized the decision as politically motivated. He voiced his thoughts on social media, highlighting that his music, including songs like “Livin in the USA,” addresses significant societal issues.
Family-Friendly Entertainment Debate
The concept of what constitutes “family-friendly” entertainment is at the core of this dispute. Crocamo emphasized the importance of a safe, politics-free concert environment. Concerns about safety were cited as a reason for the band’s replacement. However, Weiner found the safety concerns “absurd,” questioning how AC/DC’s tribute band was deemed more suitable for all ages.
AC/DC, a legendary rock band, has faced scrutiny over its lyrics, with some questioning their portrayal of women. The tribute band, Halfway To Hell, echoes AC/DC’s iconic style, including songs with mature themes. Weiner remarked, “The name of the band is Halfway to Hell. Like how that is more family-friendly than my show is beyond me.”
