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Folk singer Michelle Shocked’s tour has been radically curtailed following an unexpected anti-gay outburst during the second set of her recent performance at Yoshi’s (1330 Fillmore St.). Shocked, who is known for progressive causes and becoming a born-again Christian years ago, announced “When they stop Prop. 8 and force priests at gunpoint to marry gays, it will be the downfall of civilization, and Jesus will come back,” plus additional commentary, including telling people that they were “going to leave here and tell people, ‘Michelle Shocked said God hates faggots.”
Much of the audience walked out, and Yoshi’s staff moved quickly to shut down the show by turning off the lights and shutting off Shocked’s microphone. Refunds were offered to attendees. In the ensuing media fallout, most of the venues across the country where she was due to perform promptly canceled her appearances.
Whether it turns out to be a career-ender like some have predicted or it creates a whole new audience for Shocked among conservative evangelicals remains to be seen, though even younger evangelicals are increasingly supportive of same-sex marriage. One thing appears clear, however: You shouldn’t expect a return engagement by Shocked at Yoshi’s any time soon. The day after the show, Yoshi’s tweeted “We at Yoshi’s SF do not & will not ever tolerate the type of bigotry & hatred exhibited last night by @MShocked She will never be back.”
