The band decided to change their name after mounting concerns that it was a problematic appropriation
Post-punk band Viet Cong have now officially changed their name to Preoccupations after mounting pressure from critics who felt the band’s original name was problematic.
The controversy over the band’s name began back in 2015 when one promoter in Oberlin cancelled a show, saying he was sorry “For inviting a band with a name that deeply offends and hurts Vietnamese and Vietnamese-American communities, both in Oberlin and beyond.” He went on to say that, “I acknowledge the problematic nature of a band naming themselves ‘Viet Cong’ and extend my apology to anyone hurt or made uncomfortable by the name and its connotations.”
The band have made the following statement to the press regarding the official change of name:
“After finishing our latest record and taking some time off, we are excited to announce that we will be performing and recording as “Preoccupations” going forward. We will be previewing new material from a forthcoming record in a series of festivals and shows in North America and Europe in the coming months. We apologize to those who were adversely affected by our former band name. This was never anticipated nor our intent. We are artists and not politicians, we understand that the name reflected pain to some individuals and we are happy to change it and move on and focus on our music. Thanks to all our friends and fans. See you all soon.”
The band will be playing several dates in the UK and Europe in the coming months. Check them out below.
17 June – Best Kept Secret Festival – Hilvarenbeek, NL
18 June – Out Loud, Beursschouwburg – Brussels, BE
22 June – Shacklewell Arms – London, UK
23 June – Old Blue Last – London, UK
28 June – Olympic Cafe – Paris, FR
30 June – Urban Spree – Berlin, GER
16 July – Castle Palooza – Tullamore, IE