I am not usually one to speak out on matters like this, but this story just really got to me. Withered Hand, a solo project of Dan Willson from the UK, is being denied a visa to play in the US because US officials deemed him “not of extraordinary ability.” Now I am not here to rave and rant about his music, even though I personally like it, but moreso to comment on how many other bands that I feel shouldn’t be playing in the US or that have a smaller following than Dan Willson does DON’T have to deal with this visa issue.
Based on an article I read this morning, this is happening because “as a solo performer you have to apply for a different type of visa than if you are in a group and the criteria are much more rigid.” These solo musicians are being lumped into the same category “normally reserved for famous scientists, athletes and actors.” Not sure this is the best place to put a solo musician, especially an independent solo act.
If you support Dan Willson & Withered Hand and want to make sure he is able to make his US tour and play SXSW (as well as LA’s own Hotel Cafe’ on the 22nd), jump in and sign the petition to reverse this ruling here
For those of you who haven’t yet heard Withered Hand, check him out and let us know whether you think he has an “extraordinary ability”! And make sure to let us know your thoughts on this issue!
