Barenaked Ladies cancel SeaWorld concert after viewing CNN's 'Blackfish'

The Barenaked Ladies cancelled their concert at SeaWorld scheduled for February 15, 2014 during the "Bands, Brew & BBQ" event after seeing CNN's Blackfish documentary.

"This is a complicated issue, and we don't claim to understand all of it, but we don't feel comfortable proceeding with the gig at this time," the band wrote on their Facebook
>Facebook page late Wednesday night. "The Seaworld folks have been gracious, and extended us invitations to the park to learn more about what they do, and how they do it."

The documentary, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival back in January, reveals the story of an orca named Tilikum, from the time he was captured off the coast of Iceland in 1983 to his struggle in captivity, and ultimately, the deaths of three people, including trainer Dawn Brancheau, caused by the killer whale. The film explores the harsh consequences of keeping animals in captivity, reports CNN.

A petition created by fans online asking that the group cancel their performance at Seaworld influenced the band members to watch the documentary.

"We here at Barenaked Ladies have made a decision based on what we feel. It's not about money, or petitions, or press... But it is about our fans," the band said about their decision. "We listen to them, and they're important to us. Their sensibilities resonate with ours, and have for decades now. We've grown up together. Ultimately though, we made the decision that WE feel good about."

Other performers to appear at the "Bands, Brew & BBQ event are Willie Nelson, Cheap Trick, REO Speedwagon, Martina McBride, 38 Special, Justin Moore and Scotty McCreery.

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons