The India Decade

Geordie Greep denies rape allegation live on stage at Vancouver concert

The former Black Midi frontman addressed the crowd alone and promised to donate the show's proceeds to an anti-violence charity.

By The India Decade

low light concert venue stage with microphone stand (file image)
low light concert venue stage with microphone stand (file image) · “Free microphone concert image” (CC0 1.0) via rawpixel

Flyers distributed before the show

On Thursday evening, fans queuing outside The Pearl in Vancouver were handed printouts alleging that Geordie Greep had committed sexual assault earlier that day.

The flyer, printed in bold black lettering, read: "Geordie Greep A Rapist. You know what you did this morning Oct 8th." The text accused the former Black Midi frontman of believing he could "do whatever he wants because he’s gone tomorrow," and urged the local crowd to "Let Him Know What Vancouver Thinks of Rapists."

As images of the flyers spread on social media, the gig was delayed. Originally scheduled to start at 8:00 pm, Greep did not take the stage until around 9:40 pm. When he did appear, he was alone.

Geordie Greep addresses the crowd

Before playing any music, Greep addressed the crowd directly, acknowledging the flyers and explaining his version of the events of the previous night.

"Essentially, what happened last night, me and some of the band we went out to some bars," Greep said. "We went out, we met people, and it ended up in a situation really late at a house party. I got the wrong end of the stick with someone who was there, and I made a move, and it didn’t come off."

Greep said he immediately apologised for the misunderstanding and felt "extremely bad" about making someone feel uncomfortable.

"I would never rape a woman," he told the crowd. "I'm not a rapist. It's not how that went down."

Solo performance and charity donation

The singer explained that his backing band would not be performing with him because he did not want to force them onto the stage under the circumstances. He offered full refunds to any fans who felt uncomfortable and wanted to leave the venue.

He also announced that all proceeds from the Vancouver concert would be donated to an anti-violence organisation in British Columbia.

After making his statement, Greep played a 10-song solo acoustic set for those who chose to stay. His tour is scheduled to continue with performances in Boise and Salt Lake City, though it is not yet clear whether his backing band will rejoin him for those dates.

Key numbers

WhatFigureSource
Performance delay1 hour and 40 minutesAudience members and event reports
Solo set length10 songsSetlist.FM

In this story

NameRole in the story
Geordie GreepMusician who addressed and denied sexual assault allegations on stage

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