Winston Marshall: Why I left Mumford and Sons

Don’t miss the full highlights video from the event: • Winston Marshall, Jess...
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The musician Winston Marshall joined Freddie Sayers at an UnHerd Live event.
Are the arts in crisis? This is the question raised by the case of Winston Marshall, a musician recently in the chart-topping band Mumford and Sons. Marshall found himself ‘cancelled’ earlier this year for recommending the book of prominent Right-wing journalist Andy Ngo discussing his dealings with the radical Left militant group, ANTIFA.
In the subsequent months, Marshall found himself subjected to a barrage of ideological attacks against him, his family, his friends and his fellow bandmates. He took the difficult decision to step down from his position in the band in an attempt to stop the outrage, only to find himself in the firing line again from self-styled ‘anti-woke’ commentators.
Listen to his story now, and don’t miss the highlights video from the event!
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// Timecodes //
00:00 - 04:34 - Winston’s story: leaving the band
04:34 - 07:35 - The apology
07:35 - 13:10 - Free speech and gatekeepers
13:10 - 14:28 - Wokeism
#WinstonMarshall #MumfordandSons #FreeSpeech

[@UnHerd]

What do you think about Winston leaving Mumford and Sons?

[@DocMajor]

I think the rest of the band is spineless. Without Winston there is no Mumford and Sons. Happy to use his father's fortunes in the early years but throw him to the wolves the very minute things get hot.

[@arinconc]

If you listen to the bad guys, the good guys will lose. It is unfair!

[@sallyskiera4756]

Very sad that his personal opinion caused him and the band such intolerant reaction from both far left and far right. Let’s all just enjoy the music - he isn’t running for gov’t office!

[@MoonshineNL]

I'm absolutely devastated.

[@mattstarf4294]

I'm waiting for the rest of band to leave 😂

[@tricatfilms6136]

I will NEVER support this band again, but I will support Winston Marshall forever.

[@AJ-hi9fd]

I didn’t know who he was, now I’m one of his fans and followers.

[@brandonjones2856]

You and me both!! Haven’t listened to that Band since

[@danielmeuler2877]

He gave Fancy Nancy Pelosi the business. I will be a fan of Marshall's until the day I die.

[@Dr.Caligari-scabinet]

@@danielmeuler2877same

[@waz3128]

The only song I know from Mumford and Sons is the one that has drunk yobs in a pub shouting ''I really fked it up this time''. Can't stand it, Its like the modern day ''who the fk is Alice'?'. But I am a fan of Winston Marshall

[@caitlynrolfe7672]

A man lost his career over people being upset that he appreciated a book that they likely never read. Tell me that is not fascist.

[@TA_Tactics]

@@TheMan-it7px They're not blind to it.

[@pacio49]

Y'all better learn the definition of fascism before you go pontificating about it in public. Fascism is a political movement of authoritarianism. You cannot be anti-authoritarian AND fascist. Censorship? Perhaps. Fascist? Not even close. Using that term without understanding it paints you immediately as ignorant.

[@caitlynrolfe7672]

@@pacio49 Authoritarianism is defined as enforcement of strict adherence to a certain standard at the expense of another's personal agency. Censorship is correcting misleading, incorrect, or potentially harmful information/data. A group of strongly opinionated people on the internet carrying out an unsubstantiated character assassination because they didn't like what another person had to say and effectively ruining their career - which by the way had no relevance to the statements being critiqued - is not "censorship", its taking away people's freedom to express, even if in a respectful way. I am not saying all of this because of I am even a fan of Andy Ngo. I am just astonished at people defending what has taken place. If fascism isn't the correct word to describe a by definition example of authoritarianism, I dont know what to tell ya. You're right, you can't be anti-authoritarianism and fascist. That is what makes my whole point. People cancelling Winston Marshall and calling themselves anti-authoritarian are blinds hypocrites.

[@mrseph007]

@@pacio49 fascism always starts as an ideology before it becomes political.

[@Zactivist]

@@TA_Tactics Exactly. it's purposeful.

[@MarionRoss767]

Winston, don’t regret what happened. Nothing is coincidental or an accident. There’s ALWAYS a purpose. You were unwittingly guided towards yours.

[@timothyobrien8591]

“The simple step of a courageous individual is not to take part in the lie” -Alexander solzhenitsyn

[@andreas956]

I used to be a fan of Mumford and sons. Now I'm a fan of you. I love honest and brave people with integrity.

[@ritar.7836]

This is a moving comment. It tou he's you to the core.

[@erikdeca]

The lesson here is to never apologize for doing something that is not wrong.

[@someone_stupito]

Yes!

[@lastdays9163]

Gurl truth. Stand by what you believe.

[@kevindossantos6282]

Amein

[@ebonknight630]

Yeah

[@monsterkis]

Amen my fellow fascist

[@Chris-lh7wj]

Getting canceled for reading a book that questions rioting, WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS WORLD! Has everyone lost their damn sanity??

[@user-ci7vu7eo9w]

left,left.left

[@CarniBarbie]

Nope, just a very loud, small fringe that seems to be winning the battle of discourse. 😩

[@22lyric]

Most "celebrities"!!

[@owllove992]

Yes, people have gone insane and they are now running the asylum, unfortunately.

[@cjsawinski]

I have to correct you… they were in fact “mostly peaceful” riots. Get your facts straight before you come to the comment section!

[@gabrielvalentin3106]

So much grief for a young man who read a freaking book and has an opinion.

[@unrepentantoffender188]

Right? Today's sensitive social climate has got to stop.

[@misssummersalt]

Yeah makes you wonder if there isn't more to the story that he's wanting to cover up to save face...

[@murphykenji]

The most dangerous thing of all. 😏

[@BendyLilZebraBabe]

​@@misssummersalt What insane thinking went into formulating that ignorantly defamatory comment?

[@qppmike]

They don't want people to learn the truth. If they keep us working just to scrape by, we won't have the time to learn the truth

[@stephenkane1074]

It's quite a worrying state of affairs when being a reasonable centrist is dangerous.

[@fanfeck2844]

Weak politicians are the cause of this

[@CM-pf1xc]

Exactly

[@jaimem4973]

@@fanfeck2844 Weak invertebrate slippery politicians

[@matteozinho]

Nice try

[@alisonfayers-kerr9089]

Not quite VERY

[@82pichon]

HE SHOULD NEVER HAVE APOLOGISED!!!!

[@user-ly1vx2do4s]

The Band should have stood by you in solidarity and not let you quit, this is what friends do. Submission never works, living in a world where you lose your career for reading a book and showing support for an author is not acceptable.

[@BlueInk912]

This is so maddeningly sad. Devasting that the entire band is attacked. They are a music band not a Book club(sic!)!!!! Not only does he read(which is more than most Gates?.. Big brother wannabees. One name /few words skimmed over and they go for jugular.) he reads critically/analytically.. As he said he did not agree with somethings the things in book. He gave credit to Ngo bravery to write what a lot of people think /watching on sidelines. As friends they ache for oneanother i am sure but lets be pragmatic. We know going to 'war' you loose. May they prosper. Best wishes fm🇿🇦ZA

[@bobjob66]

You don't know how they took it...I'm sire they weren't like "Ok Win..cool." and shut the door in his face....I'm sure it was the last resort....and Winston was fervent in his decision.

[@beetalius]

I’m more a fan of his and less of theirs

[@JoJo-vg8dz]

The woke mob is very aggressive. They practice systematic harassment.

[@iMutA123]

I know what you mean… I said the same thing he said about mein kampf, now suddenly I’m a rascist…

[@susanmoore4636]

Winston, the only thing you did wrong is apologize.

[@nickpapa1721]

NEVER, EVER, apologise. They come back for more.

[@DaleBouwman]

Instead say, "Eff U!!!"

[@thomaspaccione7214]

Winston, I'm sorry things turned out the way they did. The 4 of you together were really something special. I started playing the Banjo because of you, and I love it. Thanks for inspiring me.

[@alex-E7WHU]

2024 update. Winston has just destroyed Nancy pelosi at the Oxford union debate. Top bloke.👍

[@rustybeltway2373]

That was exciting. I didn't know who the gent was until the end.

[@lynnhubbard844]

impressive! I subscribe to them and clicked on to see the "show" after I had just seen him on a podcast called "Heretics"

[@sadrera3593]

It was a beautiful moment indeed!

[@scotthart7307]

Mumford and sons should reunite and make NO apologies for their decisions.

[@Fenristhegreat]

Oh, he seems like a well meaning, honest man. I hope he can get his career back on track, he shouldn't have to suffer for his honesty.

[@chadjohns6955]

@@Embassy_of_Jupiter I would buy it just on principle

[@bighands69]

The west is a truly damaged place. It is unlikely that he will get his career back at this point which is a very sad thing to say. He is not the first that the activists will destroy and not the last. I cannot see any way out of this sort of culture.

[@cindland]

He wasn’t trying to be POLITICAL, he was merely sharing an intellectual activity to spend his time during the lockdowns! 🤯

[@cindland]

@@chadjohns6955 YUPPER

[@thegoodguy4037]

Mumford and sons are my number 1 favorite band, there should be no reason they don't have enough money saved to start their own label and make something new. Brothers stick together

[@noahk9217]

Cancelled by fascists who claim to be "anti-fascist." Never apologize for standing up for what you believe in, and stop worrying about offending people. If someone is offended by your morals, they aren't worth your time.

[@francesdupreez4498]

Salute you for your own bravery, truthfulnes to yourself and your speech at Oxford rang of integrity!! Write & sing your beautiful music freely!! You have gained the respect of a much larger audience of fans!

[@lynnhubbard844]

he really made a big impression at Oxford Union...I was blown away!

[@roywall8169]

The apology was a massive mistake.

[@istvantoth7431]

The biggest one probably.

[@roywall8169]

@@istvantoth7431 I am heartened that he no longer stands by it.

[@megofiachra3247]

Yes, in retrospect, but I respect how he navigated through it all. We’re all learning how to deal with this Leftist Fascism. Hopefully we’re learning from those who have gone before, and the pendulum will start back towards the middle.

[@cordyone]

But it wasn't his mistake. It was the band's. They could have stood by him, but they are cowardly boys and left him to it.

[@roywall8169]

@@cordyone If my friends/coworkers treated me like that, I would be looking for new friends/coworkers.

[@sharonsellers6247]

And look where he's at in 2024! This young man was meant for greatness

[@lynnhubbard844]

right...did you see him speak at the Oxford Union YT channel? WOW, just WOW. He is a powerhouse

[@willwalker6894]

To think that this guy had built a camaraderie with people that you would think would have a strong bond touring and struggling together to create a lasting legacy, would just throw him to the wolves like that just makes my blood boil. The band Offspring recently did the same thing by kicking out Pete Parada out of the band for not getting the COVID 19 vaccine due to an underlying medical condition. You think you know people you believe are near and dear to you and than they just discard you like a piece of trash.

[@TangoGayle]

The Andy Ngo book that this man spoke of and suffered such horrendous personal consequences is an excellent book. What is happening is the modern form of “book burning”. Something that should not be tolerated in a free society

[@jeeveekaa5880]

Hi Gayle, what book is he talking about (title and author)? I’m really curious.

[@CrystalJ7]

@@jeeveekaa5880 'Unmasked' by Andy Ngo - excellent book

[@jeeveekaa5880]

@@CrystalJ7 thanks Gayle!

[@CrystalJ7]

@@jeeveekaa5880 lol

[@BlueInk912]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZmppKVpqtx0r5o brett weinstein and heather discussing Ngo book. They have now also been penalised by you tube/wikipage changes so read at your own peril,😢😅. Just good backgroud from locals.

[@KimWilsonTV]

What a beautiful, intelligent, critically thinking, and compassionate soul. The world is a better place because Winston Marshall is here

[@derosa1989]

the young children screaming outside, creating a distraction from the background is the perfect metaphor for social media and our times.

[@jumblestiltskin1365]

I thought antiFA had turned up to shout him down then i realised they were kids and really the antiFA lot were still snuggled up tightly in their mums basement under the blanket of the progressive flag.

[@airmark02]

Thinking the same thing 😉

[@neoepicurean3772]

Well the shame is on his band 'mates' that they couldn't stand by him when all he did was put out the most milquetoast of Tweets...

[@Mickferndalespeedy]

The pile on was so bad it would have cost them all their careers like its cost him his.

[@JoJo-vg8dz]

They knew it would mean the end of their career. SJWs control music industry. Entertainment industry , Hollywood ...

[@lulzmoney99]

​@@Mickferndalespeedy Not even close. The vast majority of fans don't care about the Tweet. There are probably more people who support what he said than those who don't. The few that don't just scream really loud, but they are few in number. The bad press would've blow over by the next news cycle and the band would've gotten a lot of long-term respect for doing the right thing by ignoring the impotent and hypocritical woke Twitter mob. Look at how many rockstars have survived real controversy, and then look at this tame endorsement of a book calling out radical leftwing lunatics. Michael Jackson was accused of molesting a child FFS, many other celebrities have been to prison for things like RAPE, ASSAULT, etc...etc... and are still loved by the masses. They all weathered the storm. This dude Tweeted about a fkng book. You seriously think this would cost the band members their careers? LMAO. What planet are you living on?

[@mdg1867]

@@Mickferndalespeedy Their fans would have still bought their records and attended their gigs.

[@detrockcity3]

@@Mickferndalespeedycowards

[@138abob]

I was quite impressed with this interview. This man seems very thoughtful, empathetic, and reasonable. I happen to agree with his view point for the most part. I was touched by his statement “we are all fallen”, and I absolutely adore his feelings on truth and art. Obviously he’s an extremely talented musician. I believe that he will persevere. I hope that his journey inspires more individuals to be forthright in their convictions.

[@DarkAngel2512]

Go check his interview on Triggernometry

[@mgee303]

Good interview, as someone raised in Portland and very involved in the music scene at one time I appreciate that he spoke up for Andy Ngo. The fact that was publicly persecuted for saying that Andy is brave is scary to me, he is beyond brave and I’m so thankful for him telling the truth about what happened here (and continues to happen). The far left has made this city and it’s residents unrecognizable to me.

[@lynnhubbard844]

I live in SF...they probably all came up there from here!?

[@jasonuerkvitz3756]

I can't wait for this guy's single work. His playing for _Sigh No More_ and _Babel_ is one of the main reasons I fell in love with those albums. I enjoyed the raw singing of Marcus Mumford and indeed the lyrics of all the songs, but the banjo--regardless of what Winston and the others think of it now--sealed the entire sound they were going for in such a superb and important way. His sublime playing on "Ghosts That We Knew" is simply beautiful. Mumford & Sons is hopelessly lost without this man. Winston did nothing wrong and he is certainly welcome to his opinion. The Twitter mob needs to be disbanded and the clout it wields removed. They are far more dangerous and detrimental to a flourishing society of people and their ideas than Andy Ngo's book or any tweets posted by anyone who read it. Such a weird, backwards world we live in.

[@chandlerscaringia5260]

They'll be fine without him.

[@jasonuerkvitz3756]

@@chandlerscaringia5260 But not great.

[@Theorist9]

Hard to continue supporting the others when you realize the loyalty they have to one another is absolutely nonexistent. Really shameful.

[@edwardmcmanus]

His first mistake was apologising.

[@gracefrank6656]

Sad but true…

[@karenness5588]

What a splendid young man! The best part, besides a respectable brain, is his commitment to the truth.

[@edwardmcmanus]

He's both an idiot and a coward. Made same mistake falsely libeling Morissey/ Britain First as the media made with him. And he apologised!!

[@Suscida]

He barely has stood by his conviction at all! He's allowed the bullies to win, and basically came on to this discussion to proclaim it for some reason.

[@karenness5588]

@@edwardmcmanus He's human and needs to be encouraged for the good he has done instead of getting pummeled from both sides.

[@karenness5588]

​@@Suscida Barely is better than not at all. He did what he could in his circumstances and any step towards the good is better than attacking somebody who has done you personally no wrong and has only done his best.

[@GreenToast01]

Karen living up to the name

[@wiggawithattitude]

he shouldnt have left the band, shouldnt have apologised, and the band should have had his back. this is what happens when our men are weak. the cycle perpetuates.

[@morgierwin6641]

The fact that they didn't demand he stay in the band says something about them.

[@coreyaruecker]

If they weren't willing to defend their friend and band mate, then I think he should have left. He maybe shouldn't have apologized but if you find yourself face to face with the mob, self preservation can take over.

[@wiggawithattitude]

@@coreyaruecker I think that much is clear from what he says here. He clearly regrets the apology somewhat.

[@maggietaskila8606]

If any.one couldn't see that the Antifa was a Fascist group, they would be lying to them selves.

[@JKLoans]

I haven't read the book myself, but I found it absurd and obscene that he (and, his bandmates) was suffering such vitriolic abuse for saying he liked the book. I so respect Mr. Marshall and his decision; better to walk away than to have your mouth muzzled.

[@banditbuddies728]

That's just what happens for celebrities or really anyone when they go political. If you are famous, it is well known to stay away from politics otherwise you will usually offend half of the population whatever you say.

[@tyc00n]

if you oppose them they win, if you bend the knee they win, if you ignore them you win

[@Jurassicparkatmospheres]

If you ignore them, they fester

[@apebass2215]

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

[@bighands69]

He cannot ignore them. The record label, distributors, media, band and everything else is under attack. Once that starts he is finished. His career is over and he has not yet realized it.

[@makara80]

It’s long been speculated that if you can hold out for roughly _72 hours_ after having hypothetically incurred the wrath of the far left, you’ll be fine. Indeed, the mob’s diminutive attention span ensures that most will move onto another target to feign outrage over by then. Alas though in these social media-addicted times tragically few can maintain ‘silent running’ online for that long. Worse, they’re ruinously oblivious to the fact that the more words they proffer, whether it be an apology or protestation of innocence, the more _ammunition_ those determined to destroy them will be furnished with to weaponise and distort. Just shut up!

[@Hartinmouston5158]

It’s not offensive to have questions. We should be able to question everything, including organisations who label themselves as “anti-fascist”. It should be down to others to decide what they are by how they treat other human beings and Antifa are certainly demonstrating vile and hateful intent in their own way.

[@juanittaariassuarez3517]

Just look at the drummer from System of a Down expressing his staunch support from Trump and his bandmates still being alongside with him despite obviosly disagreeing with him.

[@mumford_m7684]

And how long has it been since they've made a record together or did a world tour? Marcus, Ted, and Ben don't have to do anything that might threaten their career, especially if they don't agree with what Win is endorsing. Win was in a band of four, so anything he does or says could very much affect his bandmates. So he did the right thing distancing himself from them. Marcus sure as hell did not deserve the storm of people that came after him because of something Winston said or did, especially when his and Win's politics do not align and they do not align.

[@littlered77]

@@mumford_m7684 So we should work only with people who share all our thoughts and opinions? My opinion of the other band members would be infinitely higher had they opening supported their friend and his right to have an opinion.

[@jujitsuman9934]

@@mumford_m7684 It's about being punished for what you believe, not about record sales. She has a point when she says his band pulled the plug on him. They should have stood by him instead of being lil whinny babies. He gave someone credit for a book, BIG DEAL.

[@hulkhogan4218]

@@jujitsuman9934 yeah, not very rock n roll! I think if he was 10 years older he and his band mates probably wouldn't have given a toss. However, the younger generations seem more afraid of the opinion of their counterparts and bow down to the braying mob. I wish him luck though. Good life lesson for him and it's more likely he'll read volume 2 😂

[@meanna6495]

"I'm against wokeism and against anti-wokeism now. The 'anti-woke mob' is behaving exactly the same as the 'woke mob', I'm more interested in the synthesis of the middle ground ' . I hope in the end most people still are aiming for the middle ground .

[@DarkAngel2512]

This def made me rethink my position. We're doomed if we do what the woke do. I know it's a ploy to control people. But that's what we're supposed to be against. Seen several comments in this thread saying theyre now going to boycott the band for Winston choosing to leave. Why boycott the band who didnt do anything? Especially when Winston left to protect them.

[@mumbai3899]

Another example that social media’s are destroying lives!. He seems was in a big distress at that time because of this stupid time we are living in. I didn’t know until now , after Oxford’s performance. You are great . We loved your band and we love you. Good luck and God bless you.

[@cinemar]

He's wrong about Morrissey being anti muslim. Morrissey is anti Islamic extremism. The "For Britain" party are not anti muslim either. They're anti open borders and uncontrolled immigration. Just because they want to talk about crime in the islamic community that doesn't make them anti muslim. He's just gone and done the same thing to Morrissey that people did to him. Do some research mate.

[@hufclufc]

Normally, I would stick up for Morrissey, but you have to be very careful with 'For Britain'. They do not engage with all the complexities of Muslim immigration in the UK, and offer no remedies. I would have more sympathy with someone like Maajid Nawaz, who does rail against Islam where it contradicts liberal values, but coming from a Muslim family, is careful not to ostracize Muslim communities.

[@baronmulberry7847]

At this point I don't think Winston is doing research. As he said he's focusing on PR. And attacking critics of the left is an excellent PR tactic and plan.

[@sophiechandler955]

@@hufclufc oh you mean he’s allowed to criticise Islam because he comes from a Muslim family. Pathetic apologist!

[@hufclufc]

@@sophiechandler955 Nope. I meant he gives the issue some serious thought, unlike For Britain, who basically want to repatriate them all. These ideas are extremely dangerous. Fortunately. For Britain are tiny, and will never enter the mainstream. I guess you are young and naive, and have not thought any of this through. As Winston says, One must be extremely careful about the language you use. I have heard some of the language used by For Britain and it is toxic. I don't think Morrissey has researched it properly. I think he lives in a quaint bygone world where England was basically white. This is not the case anymore, and never will be again. I think Majid's approach is the most pragmatic because one is always playing the ball and not the person.

[@apebass2215]

@David Lea don't project your own naivety onto others. Criticising someone's choice of language rather than their ideas is a foolish attempt at coercing them into self-censorship.

[@29memyselfandi]

He criticises Morrissey here but he should take a leaf out of Mozzer’s book - Never Apologise.

[@jenniferditman3788]

I didn't see it as criticism. I think he just stated what happened.

[@wc389]

What if you do something wrong.

[@29memyselfandi]

@@wc389 Apologise if you feel you have something to apologise for. Winston Marshall apologised for liking a book. Ridiculous.

[@wiseonwords]

@29memyselfandi - Unfortunately, Morrisey is a sanctimonious woke t.wat.

[@29memyselfandi]

@@wiseonwords if you think Morrissey is ‘woke’ in that sanctimonious far left way then you clearly haven’t been paying attention.

[@maryannturton9830]

My best memory of Winston is the video of Mumford performing with Baaba Maal on the song,There Will Be Time,when he puts his hands up in the air victoriously because he knows that song,on that night,with these two bands,was a literal masterpiece! Please don't ever stop playing Winston!🎼👊

[@joycarter8647]

Agree, that song and the whole album is magic!

[@jwscheuerman]

Sad that the band accepted his resignation

[@SunnyInJersey]

I bet none of these so called WOKE people who attacked him on social media ever went to their concerts or bought their albums. I know I date myself by using the word albums. My point is the left don't spend any money but are the first to scream ban that product and the companies go into a frenzy to placate them. .

[@julierogers1155]

@@SunnyInJersey "The left don't spend any money" is so INACCURATE as to be laughable.

[@ende3988]

@@SunnyInJersey first you hardly date yourself by talking about albums; those things still exist. second, overall, democrats tend to earn more than conservatives (or the left more than the right) except for the richest (>10 billion networth), who tend to be right; it seems unlikely that left individuals wouldn't be spending money. such a weird line of thought. also worth noting that individuals from the left and the right both boycott things; if you're REALLY sitting there and thinking only one side is screaming, i guess you're too used to screaming with the other that it hardly registers anymore.

[@jakerittlinger440]

There's artistic integrity, and then there is the general kind. This man has both.

[@rogerjamesmusic]

Did he commit a crime? Play a bad solo, or start writing bad music? Then there's nothing to discuss, he should be free to work and express any personal view he wants.

[@jurisprudence6549]

Well obviously he can but if you're in a 4 piece band and 3 of the band members don't want to play with you anymore then you ain't in a band anymore. No one ever said he can't continue playing music. He just can't be in Mumford anymore. Also, as a disclaimer, this shit is dumb and the fact that he got kicked out of the band is ridiculous. The other mumford guys are god damn pussies.

[@ijustneedmyself]

He's still free to work and express his personal views, just not with Mumford. Not sure what's so hard to understand about that.

[@rogerjamesmusic]

@@ijustneedmyself Remember that comment when they take your freedoms.

[@JohnnyTriplesticks]

@@rogerjamesmusic who is "they" Roger? He was asked to leave his band. I don't think Mumford and Sons will be taking my freedoms, or anyone else's.

[@rogerjamesmusic]

@@JohnnyTriplesticks “they” is not in my comment, just a self-evident truth.

[@corradocrestani1812]

He looks so heartbroken… stay strong winston

[@singing894]

Winston: "I'd much rather be in a rock'n'roll band" Me: "So THAT'S why you left Mumford & Sons"

[@Mickferndalespeedy]

He was hounded out.

[@DanSirGalahad]

BURN!

[@wrongthink3885]

Haha.

[@CM-pf1xc]

🤣

[@brazenlilhussy5975]

Lol...that's what I was thinking 'oh did you join a rock n roll band after mumfords?' My guy moves fast.

[@pannclan]

I support you Winston! Thank you for standing!

[@jamesdunn6897]

He is a great thinker and very considerate. For me he is a leader amongst men and should be applaud. Mumford will never be the same.

[@fraserbailey6347]

If Winston was 'surprised' by the reaction he was very naive. Nobody is allowed to criticise those who riot, loot and burn US cities. Surely he should have known that. And this is not a 'niche' issue. It is one of the central issues of our time.

[@bighands69]

It is not that naive. Most people have no real idea what is going on. If they did Democrats would not have won the US elections, labour would have completely collapsed and the EU would have collapsed. People simply have no idea.

[@DarkAngel2512]

He did explain he wasnt aware of all this stuff.

[@ynot-wakeywakey7519]

In my point of view, there is absolutely no need to apologise . Don't let those extremists to bully you.

[@darrylbannon2727]

Says a lot about these other musicians being pack bullies. Happy to castigate people without actually knowing the content of the book.

[@loz6441]

Exactly - whether we see it as 'mere' virtue signalling or as a witch hunt, they're happy to pile in and attack fellow artists at the slightest accusation of unclean thoughts, especially 'right-wing', without letting facts get in the way.

[@roms_hut3639]

The majority of the music and acting world and especially as the man says- the gatekeepers are always leaning left. Any thoughts expressed that are too far out of their own minds, they use their power to pursue and be the hangman. It's mafia mentality..always protected by pretending to be the "good guys" on their moral high horses deciding what opinions to have and not. Shameful breed, sadly theyre everywhere in that world...

[@samuelfielder]

The problem with Marshall's resolution is that it allows the woke mob to win. His resolution both harms himself and his band. Freddy should have put this point to him.

[@garylake1676]

Marshall has done the right thing, Mumford and Son's did not really back him, what choice did he have to keep true to his own self?

[@johnclark546]

@@garylake1676 But he has lost his career AND his ease of speaking his mind. His timidity now is what is heart breaking. The world can always take everything from you, but when you loose "you" what is left? As Samuel said, the tiny-loud-mob won. 90% of germans were NOT national socialists, but they avoided being singled out and we see what the result of that was. The Russian revolution, the cultural revolution and the McCarthy trials were just a few loud people too.

[@edwardmcmanus]

@@johnclark546 What we should be realising now is that Macarthy was absolutely correct. And probably didn't go far enough!!

[@garylake1676]

@@johnclark546 There are no 'buts', he has lost his old career, does that mean that he is dead? of course not, he is more alive than ever before. This is the biblical story of the resurrection, the Phoenix rising from the ashes, the bulb that dies in the winter yet comes back stronger next season. You have a lot to learn about rebirth, as the great Martin Luther King said, 'Truth Crushed to Earth Will Rise again'.

[@Meller571]

@@edwardmcmanus that's messed up.

[@janew2108]

I hope this gentleman knows that once you’re on their list, you don’t ever get off it. He also apologized, which is like blood in the water for them. They see it as abhorrent weakness. I wish him the best. Their end goal is self censorship in an attempt to avoid harm.

[@travis9260]

Loosen that right wing conspiracy tinfoil hat lmao

[@janew2108]

@@travis9260 It’s clearly not a majority of any group, but to suggest that there isn’t a minority online who become obsessive, cruel, and fixated is odd.

[@bighands69]

@@travis9260 He just got his career destroyed and you think it is a conspiracy theory. We are doomed because most people have your world view.

[@makara80]

@@travis9260 Translation: ‘I can’t _credibly_ contend your accurate observations… so I’ll simply pretend it’s all a figment of your imagination instead!’ One very much from the _Owen Jones’_ book of ‘Refutations for the Argumentatively-Bankrupt’. ;)

[@chandlerscaringia5260]

@@bighands69 I think alot of things but I have never become so full of myself that I have to validate ish I think to people on social media.... I don't feel sorry for him.

[@brittanydeere5070]

This breaks my heart that we lost the Extreme talent of a gifted musician and possible band because of a voiced opinion. We should embrace difference and viewpoints and learn from one another, not destroy someone because we don’t agree. Mumford and Sons is my favorite band. Sad. Very sad.

[@AthenaGM]

He hasn't passed away🤦🏻‍♀️

[@Theorist9]

@@AthenaGM no, but the band has and many of us have spent a lot of time, money and energy on them and to realize they have no loyalty to one another is sad.

[@KC-jq9kw]

@@Theorist9 Yes, exactly. This totally ruined all of my respect and opinion of the group and its members. I am done listening to them as well. This is what I will think about listening to them. Just as I do not subscribe to Netflix. I am 50, a veteran, I live on a 1880's homestead in Ohio, I raise most of my own food on pasture and in a garden. I am just old school. Groups with values mean a lot to me.

[@Theorist9]

@@KC-jq9kw I agree completely and I also totally envy you. Youre living the life Im currently striving to get. Im in the city...desert city, at that. But Im so ready to get my dogs out on some acreage and start a garden, have a well, get some more animals and stop working so much. Seems like its a very popular thing to do these days, as Ive recently put numerous offers on vacant land only to have them go under contract right before. But I'll just keep trying until I make it happen! Sadly, I just wont be listening to Mumford as Im gardening lol. Ive switched from Mumford to a lot of The Head and the Heart, Vance Joy and Coldplay. (Also thank you for your service.)

[@DarkAngel2512]

@@Theorist9 apparently the band didnt want him to leave. We shouldnt condemn them before we know their stance.

[@sgameirojr]

Main lesson: never bow down to real fascists and mob rule. Leaving the band to protect his friends was commendable. Would love to see him talk to Russel Brand since both are from artistic backgrounds.

[@jakerittlinger440]

not to mention resemble each other 😆

[@anonony9081]

Anyone who censors is just admitting their position is too weak to withstand argument

[@angelhelen84]

I thought about this the other day. Firstly, his band should have stuck up for him and secondly, he shouldn't have apologised. This was the most ridiculous thing I had heard in a long time and when you let these extremists control the public, including those in bands, you are letting them win. I don't give in to children when they kick and scream and want their way, in fact, I do the opposite.

[@hankfrance4559]

Literally you don’t know what he went through and what that felt like

[@jaimem4973]

@@hankfrance4559 He needs to man up. The West has become too feminised. It’s why it’s dying and becoming Islamised and devoured by China

[@hankfrance4559]

@@jaimem4973 yes. I am terrified for the future. Woe is our society.

[@maryannturton9830]

I think everyone lost their bloody minds in 2020.Everybody quarantined,devouring one another over politics,race,and Covid.Ugh...😱We all need to give one another a little space and grace!👊

[@christopherthomas7980]

No, this has been building for awhile. We let the extremist leftists in many camps take control of everything. It's not about creating for them but destroying

[@Jellybellycat]

Nope. Started long before that. When Trump took office people finally felt like they could speak openly against psychotic leftism for the first time.

[@NarcArtTherapy]

Former KGB agent Yuri Bezmenov - "The highest art of warfare is not to fight at all but to subvert anything of value in the country of your enemy until such time that the PERCEPTION OF REALITY of your enemy is screwed up to such an extent that he does not perceive you as an enemy."

[@AngelWest58]

Narcissists love when they get someone to apologize for something they have never done.

[@JosephStealin]

I just shouted at my kids to behave then realised that my kids are at school.

[@roywall8169]

😂

[@BlueInk912]

😅🙌

[@Safestill]

😂😂

[@Kellyjellycones78]

A sign of our times, people being bullied into submission. That apologising was a massive mistake in my view! You did nothing wrong at all! The fascists are the one's who shut down opinions/ idea's.

[@StefanNorberg]

Trial by mob is the new mode of operation

[@triciavonne3631]

Mumford and Sons is one of my favorite bands. Why we have to create this type of culture is beyond me. Think what you think, believe what you believe, or don't...A great song could have come of all this (and still may) and they could have done it together. Now we have Winston Marshall...an up and coming artist alone. Still a sad and unnecessary situation, no matter how you look at it.

[@Jellybellycat]

Happens every day to artists who don’t bow to liberal ideologies.

[@abispanner3957]

I'm glad he felt his apology was actually unhelpful, he seems like a guy with integrity and just trying to do the right thing 👍

[@NickLitten]

As an Englishman, I'm not offended by anything he said... but I am terribly offended by his lack of shirt ironing skills.

[@Becca159]

Even after all he did to "iron things out"? (and "take the heat") It's not a Blackshirt anyway.

[@navymed3]

And the screeching children in the background

[@alannorman4097]

You are right. This man deserved all he got just for the wrong reasons!

[@baronmulberry7847]

So.... he's angry at those who disliked his apology percieving it as capitulation, even though he also now dislikes his apology and views it as a capitulation. Am I the only one who finds that a tad confusing???? Regardless, as to Winston's point on gatekeepers he's got it in one.

[@bighands69]

He clearly is confused himself. His world has been ripped apart. It is very clear how damaged the western world is.

[@loz6441]

I can only guess that he meant he doesn't like some of the anti-wokists who _attacked_ him over his apology, not those who just pointed out that it was a mistake.

[@jasonuerkvitz3756]

This whole thing is so damned alien and weird he's not sure how he should respond to the deconstructionists' nightmarish mayhem. These people are unhinged and have a tenuous grasp of their own realities and as such can never be appeased. They are filled with so much self-loathing they lash out at everyone around them and take the greatest pleasure going after celebrities. Its what chaotic iconoclasts do. It allows for them to feel virtuous for a split second and forget what total failures they are. Since this feeling is so fleeting, they ravenously scour Twitter for more prey to abate their feelings of uselessness for another handful of seconds.

[@ccrs776]

Wikipedia should be sued by all the people who they have slandered!

[@roywall8169]

Oh my, some extremists called him a fascist. He needs to wear that as a badge of honor.

[@MoonshineNL]

I don't agree with Pearl Jam's politics but I can still listen and appreciate their music without berating them. Why do we have to insert politics or ideology into everything?

[@MsChitterchat]

He’s waking up. Great to see.

[@Amanda.StanofPodcasts]

Have been a fan since the beginning and it’s really disappointing to see the band be so hypocritical to the words they’ve sung all these years. Winston, we appreciate your honesty.

[@DarkAngel2512]

How were the band hypocritical? Did they ask Winston to leave?

[@roms_hut3639]

The guy takes the consequences for his brothers. It was his action, and he takes full responsibility to protect them. He is doing what a true friend or brother does. Now maybe the band could've been stronger and held ground with him. Hypocrits though? No.

[@tcb198]

And says more about the band where was their allegiance and support, but then most bands have been silent over the last year during so called pandemic

[@candacescavone7329]

Was his band mates also the reason he left? If that is true, it would be heartbreaking to realize they really aren't your mates.

[@Rambleon444]

And MF&sons big hit is ironically a song called "I will wait" for you... with lyrics like... Now I'll be bold As well as strong And use my head alongside my heart So take my flesh And fix my eyes A tethered mind free from the lies

[@rigilchrist]

I was a supporter of Mumford & Sons. I went to their "Gentleman of the Road" gigs and saw them perform live on three gigs. I thought them a wholesome bunch of guys, a family. They are now fatally wounded by this, by caving-in to a twitter mob and not coming together to support their bandmate. In this upside-down world where there is an attempt to redefine words: "silence is violence"; "words are violence" - but actual violence is not, we find Antifa which is (factually) a Marxist, violent mob. That is exactly what it is. Mistaking the ignorant tweets of activists for actual public opinion is a mistake you make only once. I'm done with Mumford and Sons over this - they chose money (bookings) ahead of integrity - and their family. Shame on them.

[@douglasbower7970]

Well said

[@Theorist9]

Agree

[@DarkAngel2512]

So Winston left to protect the band, they apparently didnt want him to leave, and you will do what the woke do and punish them anyway. Did you watch this full interview as this is exactly what Winston spoke against. He said he saw the anti-woke doing what the woke do. How are we any better if we become like them? Where will we end up if we normalise their behaviour by practicing it ourselves?

[@roms_hut3639]

Show mercy and support the band. It's what Winston wants.

[@Evie3331]

You would have still shared it because it is the right thing to do, make others aware. The ironic thing is their reaction to you sharing it has exposed the issue even more. Well done young man ✌️

[@Maxxdiff14]

Don’t apologize to those people. The proper response is the one finger salute.

[@jamesgibbons313]

He's young and he has learned an important lesson. It will serve him well in the future. Forget it, and move forward.

[@troyanstone65]

Hopefully he'll form a new band with Pete and a few others who were cast aside by their bandmates. Winston, turn this into a stand up moment and a step into your new creative ethical successful future. Wish you well!

[@oliverhobbs1244]

who's pete?

[@Kevin12321]

I’ve been following Mumford and sons for a while now. I know their fan base is not happy about this. They love their “winnie” This dudes so much fun on stage. I live in the states and I don’t understand those cities. I can only imagine what people from across the pond are thinking about this lol. Crazy shit. Hope he comes back

[@achapotachadabapot]

My take on the situation. 1. Winston was never wrong, his stance on extremism, be it of either side, was morally sound. 2. The band would have stayed by him, but he chose to leave seeing the toxic wake fucks that would attack him and thus dragging the band with him. He wanted to protect his band. 3. His band mates should have stayed by him no matter what. What they are doing now is ironic with the songs they made. Its disappointing, I expected more from the band, I didn't think their integrity would be that fragile. "Little Lion Men".

[@steveross8326]

A banjo playing musician I know, parked his car in the local supermarket car park, leaving his (very) expensive banjo on the rear seat. On returning to his car he noticed a side window had been completely smashed, peering inside he feared the worst only to find TWO banjos....

[@shughy1]

Finishing your career over a tweet is nuts, I hope he finds new ways to satisfy his creative drive

[@evacope1718]

The dude looks like he's been in an abusive manipulative relationship... goes to show how damaging this whole culture is

[@rlhernandez1]

Looks like it and acts like it. He’s walking on eggshells the whole time.

[@bighands69]

He has not yet realized that his career is over. Maybe once he gets over this period and his mental health is in a better place he will realize.

[@elenamanley5509]

Love the band but the band without him is not worth listening to. I get the feeling that due to his immense integrity, he will not speak ill of his bandmates. I will continue to listen to the old stuff and whatever Winston produces.

[@lynnhubbard844]

did you see him speak at the Oxford Union? It's on YT---really blows you away!!!!

[@elenamanley5509]

@@lynnhubbard844 - I watched it and I have to admit, I didn't recognize him at first and I was thoroughly impressed with the way he carried himself and how he was armed with the facts but was not disrespectful to Pelosi bc he's a gentleman. Then I learned it was Winston and felt that I did not need another reason to admire him so much but there you go. Hats off to him. I'm glad he is not in the group. A multi-talented man like him needs to stand out.

[@05Rudey]

As a Brit myself, American politics can be a minefield, one wrong innocent step. Boom, all over.

[@joelpettit25]

Don't worry, it's being exported.

[@youtubedrifter5594]

Telling someone they can't read a book is in itself fascist. How do they not see that!? I'm just learning about this. Is this real?

[@lulzmoney99]

Leftists are well known for projection. As a general rule of thumb, if a leftist accuses you of something, that person is probably guilty of whatever they accuse you of, i.e. fascism, racism, homophobia, etc... Case in point, the literal fascists attempting to a destroy a man's life because he tweeted about a book.

[@mike2510]

Seems like a thoughtful, sensitive, reasonable man. I wish him all the best. I really dislike cancel culture. Even if people make mistakes, let them have a path to redemption. His original tweet shouldn’t have drummed up this type of controversy.

[@edwardmcmanus]

He's a puss5y man!! Too too soft! He should have stood up for himself and NEVER apologised!!

[@sophiaatn5339]

Indeed people should have a path to redemption so what do you think about Shamima Begum?

[@edwardmcmanus]

@@sophiaatn5339 If she TRULY she's the awful choices she made, let her back into UK. . And have her tell her story for the rest of her days to dissuade others from making same mistakes.

[@sophiaatn5339]

@@edwardmcmanus excellent

[@JordanEBlunt]

After hearing this I might have a problem with Mumford and Sons but it isn't because of Winston Marshall or his beliefs.

[@rayganmessick8378]

He worked just as hard for the band too. It’s so sad that some people cannot speak their mind nowadays without potentially losing their career and friends. And it seems really one sided. I love Mumford and Sons. I am glad they still support him. I hope to see them all back together someday.

[@Trazynn]

There's blood in the water the moment you flinch.

[@martinjaramillo2429]

I wish this man the best, his mom and dad have been his support and obviously many fans. He will bounce back I am positive.

[@tcb198]

Why oh why did he apologise, more respect if had not

[@beetalius]

Only mistake he made was apologizing to the mob

[@joanr3189]

Portland and Seattle? Say no more….it is now code for woke.

[@highheartwellness]

How dare he call an author brave?!... yikes, is that where we're at with public discourse? Appreciate Winston taking the time to share his experience, it clearly has shaken up his life

[@mikosato3838]

Thank you for your honest reflection. I agree with you when you say "art or creation is the pursuit of truth" and hope you nothing but the absolute best in your future music endeavors.

[@timolsen8252]

Discourse among the weakest, most pathetic generation in history is futile. Blessings on anyone standing their ground against this tyranny of idealist.

[@dlm8763]

We should all be concerned about this. Freedom of speech has been in danger for years. This should not happen anywhere.

[@Rambleon444]

I would love to know the radio stations that said they would not play their music because of the tweet.

[@shannonochoa7413]

Looking back at this from now (May 2024), his cancellation was a bellwether. Thank goodness he stood his ground and has become a voice of reason. Well done Winston.