Next week The Underworld in Camden is scheduled to host a solo performance by Michale Graves, a musician whose early fame came from fronting the horror-punk band the Misfits in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
But more recently Graves’ name has become increasingly linked with the American extreme right.
Graves’ career began in the American punk scene, where he became the vocalist for the New Jersey-based Misfits during their 1990s revival, recording the albums American Psycho (1997) and Famous Monsters (1999).
Aligned with far right
Though his time with the band was relatively brief, he retained a loyal following and has continued to tour internationally as a solo artist.
Over the past several years, however, Graves has openly aligned himself with the extreme right in the US.
In 2020 he described himself as a “proud Western chauvinist” and publicly expressed support for the Proud Boys, a far-right group whose members played a prominent role in the mobilisation that culminated in the storming of the US Capitol in January 2021.
In the aftermath, several senior figures were convicted of serious offences including seditious conspiracy, though subsequently pardoned by Donald Trump.
Graves has appeared in photographs wearing Proud Boys clothing and has spoken in defence of members of the group following their arrests in connection with the 6 January attack.
He later testified as a character witness for individuals charged over their involvement in those events.
The Proud Boys have a long record of violent street confrontations, misogynistic rhetoric and anti-immigrant organising.
Graves is also a vocal supporter of Alex Jones ‘Infowars’ misinformation project.
Mounting opposition
There has been mounting opposition to Graves’ UK tour and in recent weeks scheduled appearances in Bradford, Glasgow, Sheffield, Portsmouth, Swansea, Bournemouth, Edinburgh and Cardiff have been cancelled following pressure from anti-fascist campaigners and musicians.
In several cases, venues stated that bookings were withdrawn after concerns were drawn to their attention about Graves’ political affiliations and his support for the Proud Boys.
The Underworld, however, has decided to proceed with the Camden date.
Camden has long been associated with diverse musical cultures and anti-racist traditions. Hosting a performer who has publicly embraced the Proud Boys’ violent actions, imagery and rhetoric sits uneasily with that history.
