Joan Jett Will NOT Be On The South Dakota Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Float

Apparently music, politics, and parades don't mix well. Case in point; Joan Jett and the Blackhearts was going to perform on a float representing South Dakota in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade this year, but she will be moved to another float after ranchers in the state protested because Jett is a supporter of PETA.

According to KDVR, a group for ranchers in South Dakota complained about Jett performing on the float representing their state. They say their state is reliant on agriculture and livestock production and they don't want a vegetarian and someone who is a critic of the livestock industry representing them.

Jett took the apparent high road saying,

I’ve decided to switch from South Dakota to another float because people’s political agendas were getting in the way of what should be a purely entertainment driven event...I will remain focused on entertaining the millions of people watching, who will be celebrating a great American tradition.

Apparently the parade organizers are planning to move her to a different float and find a different entertainer to take her place on the South Dakota float.

It seems to me that the idea of, "She can't be on our float because she doesn't believe what I do," is a bit childish. Then again, I guess that would be like a band that is vehemently against beer and ski resorts representing Colorado on a float. I could see a lot of Coloradoan upset about that.

But wouldn't a better way to handle this have been to say to Jett, 'Hey we know you have some issue with the cattle industry, we may disagree with you on some points of that argument, but it is our state's lifeblood." Can you not make any any-livestock rants when you perform?" I figure a musician that agreed to perform on that float wouldn't have a problem with that.

Usually, doesn't it work the other way around, where musicians refuse to perform on something because it conflicts with one of their beliefs?

Drama, drama, drama...

Some of the other performers at the 2013 parade include; Kellie Pickler, Ariana Grande, Austin Mahone, Cher Lloyd, Gavin DeGraw, The Summer Set, Florida Georgia Line, Brett Eldrege, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Fall Out Boy, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots, Megan Hilty, Fifth Harmony, Kristin Chenoweth, Goo Goo Dolls, Mannheim Steamroller, and more.

[KDVR]