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Wednesday, February 12, 2020 2:00pm ET by  
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The 1975 On Playing Future Festivals

Matty Healy has revealed that his band, The 1975, have decided to only play festivals now that feature a diverse, gender-balanced lineup.

The 30-year-old frontman has vowed that he and his fellow bandmates will stop performing at festivals now, unless they can guarantee that they will be sharing the stage with a balanced lineup of artists which include more female and non binary acts.

Healy was given the suggestion by journalist Laura Snapes, who wrote on Twitter: “add a condition to your rider that says you’ll only play festivals that commit to X% (ideally 50%!) acts that include women and non binary performers (sic)”.

To which he responded: “Take this as me signing this contract - I have agreed to some festivals already that may not adhere to this and I would never let fans down who already have tickets. But from now I will and believe this is how male artist can be true allies (sic)”.

Snapes then asked him how he negotiates for festival slots, and the singer admitted that whilst his agents are likely stressed about the demands, he believes it’s important to “act” to make a difference.

He added: “Yeah f**k knows and I’m sure my agents are having kittens right now but times up man people need to act and not chat thanks for the kick up the a**e snapes you’re making a difference (sic)”

Healy’s comments come after Reading and Leeds festival in the UK was criticised following the release of its full lineup, with only 20 acts - out of more than 90 set to perform across the three days - identifying as female.

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