There’s no clownin’ around this year- for the first time in twenty years, the horror-core rap duo The Insane Clown Posse has cancelled their annual ‘Gathering of the Juggalos.’ The music festival is hosted once a year during the Summer season by the Michigan-native music duo, The Insane Clown Posse, consisting of Violent J (Joseph Bruce) and Shaggy 2 Dope (Joseph Utsler.) Music artists from everywhere come perform for Juggalos who join together to enjoy the festivities. ‘Juggalos’ are fans of the Insane Clown Posse. Juggalos consider themselves a family, congregating from all over, and varying circumstances, to enjoy the music and freedoms that come with The Gathering of the Juggalos and ICP’s music. The Gathering lasts multiple days and nights, which consist of camping out, music, contests, parties, food, carnival rides, and many more festivities. The Gathering’s location varies year to year. This year, the Clowns were set to return to many Juggalo’s favorite “home,” Nelson Ledges Quarry Park in Nelson Township, in Ohio. Referred to by ICP as “the Crystal Forest.” It was set for August 5th-August 8th, after a 15-year absence from Nelson Ledges/”Crystal Forest.”
This year’s was anticipated to be of the biggest Gathering’s, surpassing last season’s “20th Annual Soopa Gathering.” Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic raised concern enough to call for cancelling this year’s gathering. The Insane Clown Posse stated: “The bottom line is simply that we REFUSE to risk even ONE Juggalo life by hosting a Gathering during these troubling times.”
Juggalo or not, this is a respectable move on the Insane Clown Posse’s end. This decision adds to their ‘family’ movement, showing that their fans, artists, and vendors safety comes first- helping dim the negative light shown on ICP in the past. The Insane Clown Posse even donated shirts to be turned into masks for COVID-19 workers.
Kudos, ICP. As the Juggalos say, “much clown love” on this one, guys!
THE BEONAIR NEWS NETWORK 