American pop sensation Chappell Roan sparked a mix of cheers and disappointment among her audience during the Laneway Festival over the weekend when she firmly declined to participate in the notorious Australian 'shoey' tradition. The 27-year-old artist, performing on the Gold Coast this past Saturday, was met with persistent chants from the crowd urging her to drink beer from a shoe, a bizarre custom that has become a hallmark of concerts Down Under.
Festival Crowd's Revolting Request
Video footage from the event, which quickly went viral on TikTok, captured the moment Roan interacted with her fans regarding the unusual demand. After hearing the chants of 'Shoey!', she responded with surprise, exclaiming, 'Oh, oh, oh, OH. That's what you're saying – drink a beer out of the shoe?' However, the singer stood her ground, refusing to be swayed by the audience's pleas. Instead, she redirected the conversation to more meaningful topics, telling the crowd to loud applause, 'No. No, no, no, no, I want to talk about being gay.'
A Personal Stand on Identity
Roan, who publicly came out as lesbian in 2024, has been vocal about her sexuality, previously stating, 'I'm a little repulsed at the thought of even kissing a guy because no one's going to be as good as girls.' By choosing to discuss LGBTQ+ issues rather than partake in the shoey, she highlighted her commitment to authenticity and social awareness during her performances. This move contrasts with many other visiting artists who have succumbed to fan pressure to engage in the vomit-inducing party trick.
The Shoey Tradition in Australian Culture
The shoey, which involves drinking alcohol from a sweaty shoe, has evolved into an iconic Australian ritual, often used as both a hazing punishment and a celebratory act. It gained widespread popularity through sports figures like Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo and UFC fighter Tai Tuivasa, and has become a common feature at music events across the country. Fans frequently chant 'shoo-ey! shoo-ey!' in hopes of persuading performers to join in, with stars such as Post Malone, Lizzo, and Harry Styles having famously participated in the past.
Mixed Reactions from International Artists
While some artists embrace the tradition, others have expressed disgust. For instance, Lizzo commented during a 2023 Sydney show, 'My shoe? My shoe is disgusting. I can't drink out of my f**king shoe, what's wrong with ya'll?' Similarly, Harry Styles described it as 'one of the most disgusting traditions I've ever witnessed' after drinking from his expensive designer shoe, adding that he felt 'ashamed' and would discuss it with his therapist. In contrast, recent performer Benson Boone adapted the shoey by using water instead of beer, joking, 'When in Australia.'
Controversy and Calls for Change
The shoey has faced criticism from various quarters, including prominent Australian musicians who have called for its ban due to health and hygiene concerns. Despite this, it remains a persistent element of the concert experience in Australia. Roan's refusal to participate adds to the ongoing debate about the tradition's appropriateness, especially as she prioritizes discussions on identity and inclusivity over crowd-pleasing stunts.
Roan's Australian Tour Continues
Chappell Roan, who is visiting Australia for the first time, will continue as a headliner for the Laneway Festival as it moves to Melbourne on February 13. Her stance at the Gold Coast gig underscores a growing trend among artists to use their platforms for advocacy, even in the face of fan expectations. As the festival progresses, it remains to be seen how other performers will respond to similar demands, balancing entertainment with personal values.
