DU QUOIN, IL (CelebrityAccess) — Classic country rock band Confederate Railroad has been quietly dropped from a scheduled performance at the Du Quoin Illinois State Fair, apparently over the use of the word confederate in the band’s name.
Confederate Railroad was scheduled to perform at the fair on August 27th with country artists Shenandoah and Restless Heart.
While an official reason was not provided to explain their removal from the lineup, Confederate Railroad issued a statement which claimed it was due to their name.
“As many of you know, we were scheduled to perform at the Illinois State Fair in Du Quoin, Illinois on August 27, along with our friends Restless Heart and Shenandoah. We have since been removed from that show by the Illinois Department of Agriculture because of the name of our band. This was very disappointing as we have played this fair before and enjoyed it very much. The outpouring of support from Confederate Railroad fans, fans of other acts, and the public in general, has been both overwhelming and very much appreciated. I would also like to thank the actors, athletes and fellow country music artists who have spoken out in support. It has been brought to my attention that several people have asked both Restless Heart and Shenandoah to cancel their shows in protest of our cancellation. I have spoken to both acts and encouraged them to perform as scheduled. Live concerts are how we pay our bills and feed our families. I would never want to see another act lose a payday because of this. Please go out to hear these two great bands. As I have said many times onstage, I am by no means a saint but, I am a man of faith and I have faith that God will see us through this as well as whatever comes next! Thank you for your support.”
While the fair did not directly address the removal of the band from the lineup, Fair Manager, Josh Gross told The Du Quoin Weekly that the Illinois Dept. of Agriculture made the call.
“While every artists has a right to expression, we believe this decision is in the best interest of serving all of the people in our state,” he told the newspaper.
Confederate Railroad, which originally served as the backing band for outlaw country artist David Allen Coe, went their own way in 1989, producing hits such as “Queen of Memphis” and “Jesus And Mama.”
