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Matchbox 20 Won't Play Because of Some Bulls***

Posted Apr 12th 2008 4:37PM by TMZ Staff

Matchbox 20 is canceling a show at Cheyenne Frontier Days -- which bills itself as the world's biggest outdoor rodeo -- over their newfound concern for the animals involved. Did they not know what a rodeo was?

Lead singer Rob Thomas and his wife, Marisol, posted this statement on the band's website: "We ask that (fans) please understand that it would be impossible for us to put ourselves in the position of making money from what we believe to be the mistreatment of animals."

But get this: the band is still scheduled to perform at the North Dakota State Fair -- which also includes rodeo events. They'll figure it out eventually.

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Tags: matchbox 20, Matchbox20

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(Page 2 of 7) Previous 15 Comments | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

16. Rob Thomas eats meat!
This makes no sense!

Posted at 12:18PM on Apr 13th 2008 by they eat meat

17. Hey TMZ, not everyone knows about the abuse made at rodeos. The band pulled out after they were informed. Good for you, MB20, for standing up for what you believe in!

Posted at 5:42PM on Apr 12th 2008 by jj

18. Which one is Rob and which one is Marisol?

Posted at 5:45PM on Apr 12th 2008 by DeeDee

19. What negativity! Just because you eat meat does not mean that you need to condone animals being mistreated and abused!!! They are standing up for what they believe in! Go MB20!

Posted at 5:49PM on Apr 12th 2008 by jj

20. they're performing at rodeos and state fairs...uh, even carlos won't be able to save them from that...LOL! next stop...obvilion...see ya!

Posted at 5:50PM on Apr 12th 2008 by spyderhappy

21. Rob blowhard I"m only in it for the money Thomas---you got to be kidding the world right?. Nice try on the image Rob. Blows off the Rodeo show but none of the others that might also be connected to animals in every way shape and form known to man.

What a bunch of has been never were jerk offs. Whats next Matchbox, the Carnival circuit? Talk about losing all sense of creativity---wheres your new material?

Posted at 5:57PM on Apr 12th 2008 by Ride em cowboy

22. The problem with the rodeo's in this new age, is they are nothing like they used to be. To make a bull buck, you simply needed to put a rider on top, and put a leather strap around it's chest which made it uncomfortable enough to buck wildly. For modern rodeo's this is not enough, now they have to take an electric cattle prod, and shock the bull's testicles many times to stir it up.
I am a country girl, I have a farm. I raise cattle. This is unnecessary and not needed. Bulls are rough enough without such torture. Yes I have cattle sold or killed myself, but when I have it done it is done quickly, and without any torture involved. I care about my cattle and fight to keep them healthy, happy and well fed. I understand the group objecting if they just found this out. I would think most guys would find this horrible.

Posted at 6:18PM on Apr 12th 2008 by Lets be honest

23. HURTING ANIMALS IS WRONG. RODEOS ARE FOR STUPID PEOPLE WHO ARE LOW CLASS AND DO NOT KNOW HOW TO TREAT ANIMALS AND PEOPLE WITH RESPECT.

























WAY TO GO, MATCHBOX 20!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted at 5:58PM on Apr 12th 2008 by THANK YOU ROB AND MARISOL!!!

24. Good for them! I have a new found respect for that band!

Posted at 6:14PM on Apr 12th 2008 by blue pen

25. Mistreatment of humans...maybe, but bulls? Give me a break. I wonder if Rob watches sports or ever participated in any sports, because to Bulls that is what it is. FUN.

Posted at 6:17PM on Apr 12th 2008 by hilarious

26. I've been following this story very close and, you know, no where and at any time have I seen it mentioned that Rob and Marisol are vegetarians, tree huggers, against meat, leather, etc. What they are against is animal abuse. Separate issues. Many animals are raised to clothe and feed us. Rodeo animals are raised for entertainment value. Sorry. I just don't see a connection. I eat meat, but even though I live in Cheyenne, I never have and never will attend a rodeo. I fully support Rob, Mari and the band.

Posted at 6:42PM on Apr 12th 2008 by Maybe I missed something

27. We in Cheyenne don't want to see those sissy Matchbox 20 guys. We want real cowboys and counrty music! No loss felt here.
Lets get Trace Adkins to replace them.

Posted at 2:32AM on Apr 13th 2008 by CFD RODEO FAN

28. GOOD FOR YOU, ROB !!!!!!!!! A MAN OF HIS CONVICTIONS.... FINALLY SOMEONE WHO'S NOT OUT FOR THE ALMIGHTY $$$ AT ANY COST !!!!!! GOD BLESS & THANK YOU !!!!!!!!!! YOU & YOUR WIFE DO GREAT WORK WITH A NY STATE ANIMAL SANCTUARY, SO AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED YOU PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS AND ANYONE WHO DOESN'T LIKE IT, AGREE WITH IT OR UNDERSTAND IT CAN KISS YOUR ASS !!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted at 6:58PM on Apr 12th 2008 by noitall

29. Wait, people still go to Matchbox 20 shows?

Posted at 7:00PM on Apr 12th 2008 by John

30. I applaud MB20's decision to not play at the Cheyenne Rodeo. Rodeos are nothing but Western-themed animal abuse. A person doesn't have to be a strict vegetarian to have a problem with animals being tortured and killed for a crowd's amusement. Anybody who would like to see what REALLY happens at rodeos and why MB20 pulled out, please visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZxL7umkbRo

Posted at 6:59PM on Apr 12th 2008 by Steve Wilson

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