Organizers of Dutch festival Revolution Calling have announced that French hardcore/metal outfit Kickback have been removed from the roster of the festival’s 2026 installment. The move appears to be the result of fallout from a recent report in French media that links the band to neo-fascist sympathies and misogyny, among other unpleasantries.
A statement issued by Revolution Calling reads as follows:
“Hereby we inform you that Kickback will not play Revolution Calling.
“We’re a small D.I.Y. team, all people from our scene. Working hard each year to make the best weekend of the year happen. A weekend where we all celebrate hardcore punk. No big business, no sponsors, no government support. Just me who started a band in 1997 after falling in love with hardcore punk dreaming about doing a festival.
“While doing due research concerning controversy about Kickback playing Revolution Calling started by an article in the French media, we have been falsely accused, framed, doxxed and threatened by people from the left and right. Following others like sheep. Acting like the fascists both sides are claiming to fight.
“We are choosing to stay out of any discussion without further comment. Not on our socials, not in the media. The way I move in the hardcore scene and the message I bring since 1997 speaks for itself.
“Anyone who wants to get their money back, send us an email at info@revolutioncallingfest.com. You have until the 4th of March, no questions asked.
“Any comment with negative energy will be removed and the user blocked. For all other people who sent us respectful messages and who supported us until now thank you very much. Can’t wait to blow the roof off in November with all of you.”