Sticky Fingers in a sticky situation, again

May 25, 2018

Sticky Fingers in a sticky situation, again

A ticket to the sold out Auckland Sticky Fingers gig Photo: Bridie Chetwin-Kelly.

The controversial Australian group, Sticky Fingers, are in hot water again after lead singer Dylan Frost abused a transgender model last week.

The Australian reported that he called model and writer Alexandra V Tanygina a “bitch” and that he hated transgender feminists but he isn’t sexist or racist because he is Māori and his mother is a feminist.

Frost was then removed from the Sydney pub for his comments.

The band then took to Instagram to apologise - but the post had the reverse affect, claiming people were being “haters”.

This isn’t the first time the band has come under scrutiny. After a 12-month hiatus their first interview with Australian radio station Triple J involved Frost defending claims of racism and sexism to Musicfeeds:

“My violence in my past, under the influence… I guess… boys will be boys, you know?”

Fans of the band claim for the most part, they didn’t know about the bands chequered past and wouldn’t support the group any more.

Sticky Fingers fan, Ashleigh McCaull, was disappointed she missed out on tickets to their New Zealand show in June but after learning more about the group, she wouldn’t have gone anyway.

“Had I known this before getting a ticket, then no I wouldn’t go because I’d rather not support someone who sees nothing wrong with their transphobic comments,” she says.

Student Jake Flashman says he is shocked that people still support the group knowing this is how they treat people.

“Why can someone be like, caught out for it and have the chance to continue in their career doing the same thing without even showing remorse,” he says.

Other Australian bands have criticised the group for their comments and attitude towards indigenous women.

Australian rapper Miss Blanks says the attention really needs to be put on the fact that the band is abusing indigenous women.

Sarah Thompson of Melbourne based band Camp Cope, says considering their platform of influence and the #MeToo movement Sticky Fingers should wise up to the affect they have on people.

Georgia Mac of Camp Cope also commented on this, asking where the men were to comment on the band’s comments.

The band’s recent hiatus was due to Frost going into rehab for drugs and alcohol and was said to be receiving therapy.

He also says he has been diagnosed with bipolar and schizophrenia.

It is not clear what Frost was doing in the Newtown pub last week considering his recent sobriety.

Related Stories

Local musicians surviving the double-edged sword of Covid barriers

Local musicians surviving the double-edged sword of Covid barriers

SAM ASHTON March 29, 2022

Student performances uplift the elderly nationwide

Student performances uplift the elderly nationwide

Ben Mollison May 8, 2020

Backstage women spotlighted by new Milk and Honey Festival

Backstage women spotlighted by new Milk and Honey Festival

Esme O’Rafferty March 27, 2019

Call for Gaza ceasefire boosted by Auckland's International Women's Day

Call for Gaza ceasefire boosted by Auckland's International Women's Day

Grace Symmans March 28, 2024

Rugby numbers continue to kick on

Rugby numbers continue to kick on

Matt Bullock March 26, 2024

Circus skills unite communities in East Auckland

Circus skills unite communities in East Auckland

Fravash Irani March 26, 2024