Apr 21, 2016
Calgary's post punk rockers formerly known as Viet Cong have announced their new name today: Preoccupations.
Controversy arose last year when critics of the band's old name called for a change, calling the name racist, insensitive and appropriative. In September the band announced that it would change its name. though in early 2016 they were still booking dates as Viet Cong. Now the band formerly known as Viet Cong have made good on their promise.
Along with the name change the band released a statement:
After finishing our latest record and taking some time off, we are excited to announce that we will be performing and recording as "Preoccupations" going forward. We will be previewing new material from a forthcoming record in a series of festivals and shows in North America and Europe in the coming months. We apologize to those who were adversely affected by our former band name. This was never anticipated nor our intent. We are artists and not politicians, we understand that the name reflected pain to some individuals and we are happy to change it and move on and focus on our music. Thanks to all our friends and fans. See you all soon.
But for some the name change isn't enough as they feel the new name, Preoccupations, is some form of slight at those who were preoccupied with the old name.
https://twitter.com/gravesmeredith/status/723142036170354688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/1000TimesYes/status/723142335299784704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
While there are lessons to be learned from the band formerly known as Viet Cong, they certainly wouldn't be the first to pick out a poorly chosen name just because it sounded cool. Though not their intent, the band's old name did spark a conversation and that's a good thing. As far as the band and their music is concerned though, if they're content to stay out of murky political and cultural waters then maybe it's best to let them focus on their music as they are want to do.
Along with the name change the band has announced new material coming soon and a series of tour dates for this spring and summer. Check out the tour dates below and listen to "Silhouettes," from the band's debut album.
05-28 George, WA - Sasquatch Festival
06-13 Brooklyn, NY - Baby's All Right
06-27 Hilvarenbeek, Netherlands - Best Kept Secret Festival
06-18 Brussels, Belgium - Out Loud, Beurschouwburg
06-22 London, England - Shacklewell Arms
06-23 London, England - Old Blue Last
06-28 Paris, France - Olympic Cafe
06-30 Berlin, Germany - Urban Spree
07-02 Tullamore, Ireland - Castle Palooza
07-09 Ottawa, Ontario - Ottawa Blues Festival
08-27 Los Angeles, CA - FYF Fest
10-08 Toronto, Ontario - Danforth Music Hall
Image: Pitchfork