This is the most fun anyone has ever had at a Westboro Baptist ‘Church’ protest, thanks to the Foo Fighters who were in Kansas City Friday for a concert. The band was met by the notorious hate group, who originally became known for their obnoxious and confrontational antics at the funerals of gay soldiers. The family church has widely extended their ‘ministry’ but their tactics remain the same.
This time, Westboro got trolled and Rickrolled – and everyone (else) had a terrific time! Dave Grohl, band members and friends rode in a pickup with Rick Astley’s infectious 1987 hit “Never Gonna Give You Up” blaring from powerful speakers. They held signs saying ‘You Got Rick Roll’d’ and ‘Keep it clean.’ Homophobic Westboro member’s signs begin with ‘God Hates’ and always end predictably. Westboro folks who excel in shouting, didn’t stand a chance to be heard over the rolling party and good clean fun in progress
The Foo Fighters and Westboro Baptist are old foes. In 2011 Westboro turned out to protest the band. Fred Phelps justified the protest, saying the band should be using its platform “to encourage obedience to God: instead they teach every person who will listen all things contrary to him: fornication, adultry, idolatry, fags.” In response, the Foo Fighters sang a gay love song. Sadly, Phelps has gone to his reward and wasn’t in Kansas City to see the spectacle…But if there’s a hell, he heard it.
Rickrolling has been a harmless internet prank for years. One is lured to a link or video – only to be surprised by Rick Astley’s bouncy song. Often the song is hidden in the middle of a video; but never has Rickrolling been used to such great and good effect!