The 1975 forced to stop Malaysia gig after Matty Healy kisses Ross McDonald and criticises country's LGBTQ+ laws

Ethan Evans
By Ethan Evans
Published 22nd Jul 2023, 08:51 BST
Updated 22nd Jul 2023, 08:57 BST
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The 1975 were performing at the Kuala Lumpur festival Good Vibes on Friday

Popular pop band The 1975 were performing a set at a festival in Malaysia on Friday when it was brought to a grinding halt, after frontman Matty Healy took it upon himself to kiss a bandmate and criticise the country's LGBTQ+ laws.

Footage of the incident has gone viral on social media and shows Healy kiss bassist Ross McDonald after giving a foul-mouthed speech to the audience at Kuala Lumpur event Good Vibes. The 34-year-old took aim at the government and their stance and treatment of homosexuality.

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In the build-up to the Malaysia set, it is reported that The 1975 were looking at cancelling but did not want to let their fans down.

The 1975's set in Malaysia was cancelled after Matty Healy and Ross McDonald kissed on stage - Credit: GettyThe 1975's set in Malaysia was cancelled after Matty Healy and Ross McDonald kissed on stage - Credit: Getty
The 1975's set in Malaysia was cancelled after Matty Healy and Ross McDonald kissed on stage - Credit: Getty

This is not the first time The 1975 and Matty Healy have taken a stance against a country with anti-LGBTQ+ laws. The frontman was heavily criticised for kissing a man at a concert in the United Arab Emirates in 2019.

Here is everything you need to know about what was said at The 1975's gig in Malaysia, as well as the country's LGBTQ+ rules explained.