An acclaimed indie rock band has expressed regret over their decision to invite a Russian fan to participate in playing drums during their concert, Euronews reports. The Killers, a well-known American indie band, led by frontman Brandon Flowers, brought a Russian fan onto the stage at the Black Sea Arena near Batumi to play drums for their song "For Reasons Unknown."
The band frequently involves audience members in their performances, and during this particular event, a fan from Russia was chosen, prompted by a banner that read: "If destiny is kind, I'll be your drummer tonight." However, the choice of a Russian fan stirred controversy.
Noting the fan's nationality, Flowers inquired, "We don't know the etiquette of this country, but this guy is Russian. Do you mind if a Russian comes out here?" The response from the crowd was reportedly marked by vehement shouts, causing some Georgian fans to leave the event.
In response to the negative reaction, Flowers commented, "Can't you recognize your brother in someone? He's not your brother? Are we all divided along the borders of our countries?... I, what, you are not a brother if I am from America?" The geopolitical context between Russia and Georgia plays a significant role in such reactions.
The Russo-Georgian War of 2008, during which Russia invaded Georgia and occupied Abkhazia and South Ossetia, remains a contentious point. The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that Russia maintains "direct control" over these regions, leading to human rights violations. This war predated Russia's subsequent involvement in Ukraine and the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian conflict.
Subsequent to the Russo-Georgian War, there was an influx of Russian emigrants into Georgia, seeking to evade mobilization or express dissent against Moscow's policies. Nonetheless, the arrival of these emigrants has sparked mixed sentiments within Georgia's population.
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