July 19, 2013
3 Doors Down to Perform at US Scouts Jamboree
Jason St. Amand READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Multi-platinum rock band 3 Doors Down will headline the Boy Scouts National Jamboree's featured concert this weekend as a replacement for acts that had previously pulled out during a divisive debate over the Boy Scouts of America's exclusion of gays.
The group will perform Saturday night at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in southern West Virginia, BSA national spokesman Deron Smith told The Associated Press on Friday.
In March, Carly Rae Jepsen and Train canceled planned appearances at the Jamboree over the BSA's exclusion of gays. Months of debate led to a vote by the BSA's National Council in May to allow gay boys to participate in Scouting while keeping a ban on gay adults. The policy change is effective next January.
Smith didn't comment on the band being a replacement act, saying, "We are excited to have 3 Doors Down perform for these young men and women, volunteers and visitors experiencing this amazing Jamboree in West Virginia."
An official with 3 Doors Down didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
The band's hits include "Kryptonite," ''When I'm Gone" and "Here Without You." The group is currently on a U.S. tour. The Jamboree gig was not listed on its website Friday. The band played Wednesday night in Wantagh, N.Y., and has its next concert scheduled for Monday in Clarkston, Mich.
In April, 3 Doors Down bassist Todd Harrell was charged with causing a fatal crash in a suburb of Nashville, Tenn. Police say the 41-year-old Harrell was under the influence when he was speeding down Interstate 40 and clipped the back of a pickup truck. The driver of the truck, 47-year-old Paul Shoulders Jr. was killed as a result of the crash.
Harrell is facing multiple charges, including vehicular homicide by intoxication, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, violation of the implied consent law and possession of contraband. A court hearing is set for July 30 in Nashville.
The band canceled four of its concerts out of respect for the victim and Harrell checked himself into a drug treatment facility after bonding out of jail.