Quebec Music Festival Cancelled Amidst Allegations of Censorship

The third edition of Alienfest, a music festival in northwestern Quebec, has been abruptly cancelled following accusations of censorship leveled against its organizers. Guhn Twei, a metal band slated to perform at the event, alleges that their invitation was rescinded due to their vocal criticism of a local copper smelter’s arsenic emissions.

Lead singer Simon Turcotte expressed disappointment after learning that Guhn Twei was removed from the lineup, citing the band’s stance against the Horne Smelter in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, which is supplied by festival sponsor Metal Marquis. Turcotte contends that their anti-smelter lyrics clashed with the interests of festival sponsors, leading to their exclusion.

Alienfest initially cited “conflicts of interest” as the reason for Guhn Twei’s removal, amid growing scrutiny surrounding the Horne Smelter’s environmental impact. However, subsequent announcements revealed deeper tensions between sponsors and participants, ultimately resulting in the cancellation of the entire event.

Guhn Twei’s criticism of the smelter, which is owned by Switzerland-based Glencore, has garnered attention both locally and nationally. The band’s lyrical denouncement of the plant’s operations underscores broader concerns about environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility in the region.

While Alienfest maintains that the decision to cancel was influenced by existing conflicts of interest, it has also acknowledged contemplating the discontinuation of future editions prior to the announcement. The festival’s abrupt closure underscores the delicate balance between artistic expression and corporate affiliations, raising questions about freedom of speech and the influence of sponsors in the cultural landscape.