Red Jumpsuit Apparatus frontman Ronnie Winter declared that Trump voters are "not allowed" at his shows, igniting a political firestorm within the When We Were Young Festival community. The announcement has polarized fans on r/WhenWeWereYoungFest, with some applauding his firm stance and others condemning it as exclusionary.
This controversy adds to the complex political context surrounding this year’s Las Vegas event. The festival’s venue is owned by Phil Ruffin, known for his close ties to former President Donald Trump, which has already sparked conversations about political influence on the festival scene.
The festival also faced logistical setbacks, including the cancellation of the Saturday lineup due to high winds, which frustrated attendees and heightened tensions.
These incidents illustrate how political and social divides are increasingly bleeding into festival culture, redefining how fans experience and engage with live music events today.
For further context:
- Read more on the Phil Ruffin connection and its implications: Dallas Observer
- Details on the cancellations and fan reactions: AOL Entertainment
Source: r/WhenWeWereYoungFest