Eminem‘s headlining Bonnaroo performance is making headlines after fans claim realistic sounding gun shot
“effects” rang out during his set. The startlingly loud noises scared at least a few members of the audience and even caused some to duck for cover. But the rapper’s camp isn’t taking fault — not by a long shot.
Amid the backlash, Eminem’s rep is speaking out, going as far to say this is borderline fake news:
“Contrary to inaccurate reports, Eminem does not use gunshot sound effects during his live show. The effect used by Eminem in his set at Bonnaroo was a pyrotechnic concussion which creates a loud boom. He has used this effect — as have hundreds other artists — in his live show for over 10 years, including previous US festival dates in 2018 without complaint.”
It’s a scary world we live in, so the fact that anyone felt uncomfortable during Eminem’s live show is unsettling. However, the rapper’s rep makes a good case. Another good point to note: the rapper recently closed out Coachella with his signature set and we didn’t hear similar complaints.
It’s not uncommon for gun shots to be used in all sorts of genres of music, from trap, to g-house, to dubstep, and of course, hip hop. However, we see both sides here, especially if the pyrotechnics intentionally mimicked the sound of gun shots fired.
Where do we draw the line here? There’s definitely a gray area. Let us know what you think — sound off in the comments.
Sources: CNN, The Tennessean | Photo by EJ Hersom