Despite plenty of criticism, Birds of Tokyo have performed before the annual ANZAC Day AFL match between Collingwood and Essendon.
It was announced to much criticism last week that the AFL had booked Birds of Tokyo to play before the traditional pre-match ceremony.
Many argued that the only pre-game entertainment on this special occasion should be The Last Post.
The only music that should be pre game on ANZAC Day is the bugle being played for one minute and everyone paying respect. A big fan of Birds of Tokyo and Adam Weston but they should be halftime entertainment or postgame entertainment. https://t.co/tw95lIsaAi
— Mason Cox (@masonsixtencox) April 19, 2019
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The AFL has regularly had pre-game entertainment on ANZAC Day, with performances from the likes of Kate Ceberano, Darryl Braithwaite and Ian Moss.
The Perth-based band played three songs during their set that went for about ten minutes, 'Unbreakable', 'Good Lord', and 'Lanterns'.
Interestingly, their performance was broadcast on Channel Seven but not on Fox Footy.
.@BIRDSOFTOKYO perform at the 'G 🎶#AFLDonsPies pic.twitter.com/2Ow4u6rs0t
— 7AFL (@7AFL) April 25, 2019
The performance went off without a hitch but there was still plenty of criticism from fans on the AFL's decision to book them.
ANZAC Day should be a solemn day. Love Birds of Tokyo but the day should be for the last post, National anthem only!!
— Linda Riley (@Lala666Riley) April 25, 2019
Like Birds of Tokyo, but not sure playing before the game in tradition of ANZAC Day is the right idea #ANZACDay #AFLBombersPies
— Drew Semmens (@drewie_5) April 25, 2019
I’m still not sure about Birds of Tokyo, it doesn’t feel right. I’d prefer a rendition of “I was only 19” if we must today #AnzacDay2019 #AFLDonsPies
— Shelley Ryan (@stuffshellsays) April 25, 2019
However, others were quick to praise the Perth-based band for what was a great performance.
Birds of Tokyo performed very well and were well received by the crowd. #AFLDonsPies
— Jim Loton (@jim_loton) April 25, 2019
Birds Of Tokyo was brilliant. Despite all the (unnecessary) fuss. #AFLDonsPies
— Adam White (@White_Adam) April 25, 2019
Birds of Tokyo played. They were good. Nobody was offended #AnzacDay
— FBDonkey (@FBDonkey) April 25, 2019
Not long after, the Australian Army Band performed the National Anthem while there was also a moving service that included The Last Post and the ANZAC Observance.
We think this tweet perfectly sums up the situation, now let's get on with the footy.
Does the #AnzacDay match need live music as part of the pre game? No. But full credit to @BIRDSOFTOKYO best performance by a band pre game in a long time. #AFLDonsPies #afl #AFLBombersPies #afl
— Jacob Sparks (@JacobSparks91) April 25, 2019
Get them to do the grand finale.
