Scowl, Speed, and Zulu back out of Download Festival due to Barclays Bank sponsorship

Australian hardcore band Speed plus American hardcore bands Zulu and Scowl have withdrawn from the UK's Download Festival. 

Speed has cited Barclays Banks sponsorship of the event and their involvement in the war in Gaza as the reason for their decision. 

Speed say:

SPEED will no longer be playing Download Festival this Friday June 14 due to the recent news of Barclays Banks sponsorship of the event and their involvement in the war in Gaza

Scowl has also expressed similar sentiments, specifically mentioning Barclays Bank's sponsorship of the event as well due to its connection to Israel and the ongoing conflict in Palestine.

Back in March, the band also backed out of their SXSW showcase performance due to a similar reason, the U.S. Army's sponsorship of the event. 

Scowl mentioned:

We will not be playing Download Fest this year due to Barclays Bank sponsorship of the event and Barclays connection to Israel and the genocide Israel is committing in Palestine. 

Free Palestine!

In addition, Zulu also say they will not play the festival for the same reasons. 

Zulu shared:

We will not be playing Download Festival as we just got word about Barclays Bank and their sponsorship of the fest. Barclays Bank is involved with Israel and the genocide they are ACTIVELY committing against Palestine.

 It's FREE PALESTINE y'all don't get it twisted

UK crossover thrash unit Pest Control has also backed out of the festival, stating:

We have made the decision to pull out of our upcoming shows at Download Festival this week (Wednesday 12th June + Sunday 16th June). 

This is due to us taking part in the boycott against Barclays Bank, who are Download Festival's payment partner and sponsor. Barclays Bank oversees billions of dollars in investments and loans to companies whose weapons and technology are used in Israel's onslaught against the Palestinian people. We will not take part in an event whose sponsor profits from facilitating a genocide.

We're sorry to anyone who was looking forward to seeing us perform. This is something we've been looking forward to for the best part of a year and was a big ‹milestone for us as a band. However, we cannot sacrifice the principles held by this band and by the scene we come from and represent, just for personal gain.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.