Geordie Greep, the former frontman of the band Black Midi, addressed sexual assault allegations against him during a solo performance in Vancouver this week. The musician, who is currently touring in support of his debut solo album, The New Sound, faced a tense atmosphere as he took the stage without his usual backing band. Outside the venue, flyers were distributed to attendees detailing the accusations, with text reading, “Let him know what Vancouver thinks of rapists,” and “You know what you did this morning Oct 8th,” alongside the note: “He thinks he can do whatever he wants because he’s gone tomorrow.”
Addressing the crowd, the 27-year-old musician stated, “This is a very serious matter that I must talk about. Someone out front is handing out flyers saying I’m this, saying I’m that … and it needs to be talked about.” Greep denied the allegations of sexual assault, telling the audience, “I would never rape a woman. I’m not a rapist. It’s not how that went down.”
Greep provided his own account of the events, explaining: “Essentially what happened last night … me and some of the band, we went out to some bars. We went around, we met people. And it ended up in a situation where really late at a house party I got the wrong end of the stick with someone that was there.” He continued, “I made a move and it didn’t come off, and I really quickly of course apologised. It was a complete misunderstanding on my part. It felt extremely bad and I feel extremely sorry and extremely upset about the whole situation.”
He added: “Basically I just wanted to be transparent with you about what happened. Very very sorry to someone … I made someone feel uncomfortable without meaning to. It’s not a good thing … and it’s not good.”
Regarding the absence of his backing band, Greep explained that he did not want to force them to perform given the circumstances, noting they were unsure of the response. He offered attendees the option to leave or receive a refund. Greep announced that proceeds from the performance would be donated to a charity supporting survivors of violence against women in British Columbia. He then continued with a solo set, which some audience members cheered for.
Witnesses described the atmosphere as jarring. Alex Lacidos, who attended, noted the crowd was confused after waiting over two hours, and that the vibes were awful, with Greep appearing as if he might burst into tears. “Many people left before it was over,” Lacidos said. Another fan on X wrote they left after the speech. Reddit user wreeum, who recorded the concert, said he felt “conflicted” about the incident, noting it was “a huge allegation to make on the same day it happened, especially to print out several dozen flyers,” adding that “Sexual assault shouldn’t be taken lightly.”
Greep’s team has been approached for comment as he continues his North American tour, with a scheduled performance in Boise, Idaho, on Friday before a European leg in November. Black Midi, known for their Mercury prize-shortlisted album Schlagenheim, disbanded in 2024.
