Confederate Railroad says name got it ousted from state fair
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Southern rock group Confederate Railroad says it has been removed from the DuQuoin State Fair's Grandstand lineup because of its name.
Frontman Danny Shirley said in a statement Tuesday that the band is disappointed but thanked fans for their support.
The group was scheduled to play Aug. 27. The Illinois Department of Agriculture canceled the appearance last week. It didn't give a reason but said it "is inˆ the bestˆ interest" of the state.
The band's logo features a steam locomotive flying dual flags of the Confederacy which fought the Civil War that led to slavery's abolition.
Confederate Railroad was to appear with Shenandoah and Restless Heart. Shenandoah said in a statement that it will still play but "this 'political correctness' has to stop. It's tearing our country apart."