Jason Isbell Calls for ‘Compassion and Empathy’ in Light of Orlando Shooting
While onstage at the 15th annual Bonnaroo Music Festival on Sunday (June 12), Jason Isbell paid tribute to victims and everyone affected by the Orlando shootings which took place the same day.
With 49 victims killed at gay bar Pulse, fans and artists were reeling at the news; Isbell was one of many Bonnaroo artists who addressed the tragedy.
"It's a happy day on stage, but it's not a happy day everywhere in the world right now," Isbell says in a video from the Tennessean.
"The only thing I know to say to you is have faith. I know I think we're all good people out here. I think we've got the brains and the heart that it takes to figure it out, to put a stop to this kind of bulls--t and learn to live peacefully together. But the trick is compassion and empathy. I think that's the trick. That's the only thing that I've learned. My heart goes out to everybody down in Florida."
He adds, "It does make me sad, but I'm glad that we're able to share music with you people today. I wouldn't rather be anywhere else." Fans responded strongly to his words, cheering and clapping as he spoke.
In addition to Isbell, Sam Hunt, Chris Stapleton, Grace Potter, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, the Bluegrass Situation Superjam (feat. Ed Helms and friends), Judah & the Lion, the Steep Canyon Rangers, Anderson East and Sara Watkins were also part of Bonnaroo's four-day lineup in Manchester, Tenn.
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