Cover Good Vibes Festival was cancelled after The 1975 incident on the first night (Photo: Good Vibes Festival)
Good Vibes Festival was cancelled after The 1975 incident on the first night (Photo: Good Vibes Festival)
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Malaysians showed their true 'good vibes' by coming together to support those most adversely affected by the music festival's cancellation earlier this week
Even those who are not tuned in to the local music and arts scene couldn't ignore the torrent of commotion on social media in response to the sudden cancellation of the Good Vibes Festival as a result of British pop rock band lead Matty Healy's controversial on-stage 'performance', which sparked news headlines both in Malaysia and around the world.
Read more: Good Vibes Festival 2023 cancelled: How to support the food vendors affected
The incident was an understandably disappointing blow for festival-goers and artistes, and participating local F&B businesses like Pizza Mansion, MYBurgerLab, Sausage Sizzle Malaysia and several others who were forced to quickly sell the food they prepared for the festival over the weekend.
Imagine just chilling in your hotel & @thekidlaroi pulls up for a mini show because some tool got the whole good vibes festival cancelled🔥thanks man you a legend for this👌🏻 #GoodVibesFestival2023 #GoodVibesfestival #GVF2023 #TheKidLAROI pic.twitter.com/tzJd2HZR1x
— Andrew Ong (@itsAndyOng) July 22, 2023
But despite the chaos surrounding this crisis, the kindness of several big-hearted individuals and groups emerged in heartwarming moments on social media, from netizens promptly sharing details on how to support the local food vendors affected by the festival's cancellation to an impromptu show for fans in a hotel bar by Australian rapper The Kid Laroi, one of the international acts scheduled to perform.
We take a look at the most uplifting moments of unexpected kindness and camaraderie from Malaysians shown to their fellow artistes and businesses in the wake of this incident.
As #SaveGVF2023 posts were shared at lightning speed on social media, local food and beverage businesses didn't hesitate to mobilise their loyal fanbases and organise food pop-ups to support the businesses that had been left high and dry by the festival's closure. One-day events like the Sausage Sizzle Malaysia first ever pop-up at MyBurgerLab's store in Seapark kicked off this week. At the same time, Flaaah hosted a one-day pop-up on July 23 for Penang-based burger joint Dream Burger while giving away complimentary beverages to festival-goers.
Thank you for all the supportive words. We received all the ❤️ from each and everyone of you. Money lost can be made again, but this moment of togetherness, is priceless. This is just the beginning, and we will get back up stronger 🔥 💪🏻 Much love 🫶🌭 #GVF2023 pic.twitter.com/pL5vdgt7jX
— SausageSizzleMY (@SausageSizzleMY) July 22, 2023
Meanwhile, Nomms Fried Chicken cleared its Good Vibes Festival stock within 24 hours at its two Subang Jaya and Kota Kemuning outlets, thanking followers and customers for their support over the weekend.
Even entrepreneurs outside the F&B scene stepped up to help and support those affected, including Colony Malaysia executive director Timothy Tiah, who posted on Twitter on July 22: "Good Vibes Festival food vendors. Colony Coworking and Event Spaces is happy to give you a space to sell any food stock if you need. Pls dm me."
Riuh, a beloved creative collective known for its curated arts events and pop-ups, also stepped in to save the day by hosting a one-day, free-for-all festival called Tiba-Tiba RIUH at event venue JioSpace on July 23, giving audiences a chance to hear their favourite Malaysian singers and bands who were scheduled to perform on the second and third days of the festival, including Hujan, The Filters, Capt'n Trips and The Kid, and Talitha Tan.
Malaysian lawyer Mathew Thomas Philip, founder and managing partner of Thomas Philip Advocates and Solicitors, offered pro bono services to represent the local artists and vendors in a class action suit against The 1975 for damages and losses caused.
Once again, Malaysians came together in a true show of togetherness and generosity to support their fellow business owners and local artists–and we've never been prouder of all their good vibes.
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Previously contributing to Esquire Malaysia, Expat Lifestyle and Newsweek, Tania oversees digital stories across Tatler’s key content pillars, also leading the Front & Female platform exploring issues and topics affecting women today.
