The Celebrity Truth

Matchbox Twenty have pulled out of a scheduled concert performance at the Cheyenne Frontier Days in Wyoming this July as it "would directly contradict the mission statement of SIDEWALK ANGELS" – frontman Rob Thomas’ non-profit organization.

The band were booked to play the rodeo on July 18, but have pulled out and issued the following statement on the band’s official website:

"Regrettably, Matchbox Twenty will not be able to perform at Cheyenne Frontier Days on July, 18th. After careful consideration, it was decided that participating in this event would directly contradict the mission statement of SIDEWALK ANGELS FOUNDATION, our non profit organization. The other members of Matchbox Twenty support this decision and while we understand that a great deal of effort went into the planning of this show, and apologize to any and all fans who purchased tickets to see us. We ask that they please understand that it would be impossible for us to put ourselves in the position of making money from what we believe to be the mistreatment of animals."

Thomas and his wife, Marisol set up SIDEWALK ANGELS to benefit "people who are destitute or homeless and get lost in the system; those who cannot afford proper medical care; animals that have been abandoned or abused," it says on their website.

A statement issued by Cheyenne Frontier Days says, "We believe the right to own and use animals carries an obligation to provide proper care for all animals included in our celebration," adding that they do not "tolerate, condone, or permit actions that abuse animals."

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Photo courtesy of Warner Music.