Aussie hip hop artist Illy has again spoken out in length about his stance on drug testing at festivals, after Stefan Woodward and Sylvia Choi tragically died of suspected drug overdoses at the annual Stereosonic events in the past two weeks.
In a series of tweets posted today, the Victorian-born rapper backed the call for drug testing, suggesting that funding for it would be a "drop in the ocean" compared to money spent on the new casino currently being built in Sydney, mining and more.
"I disagree with the funding argument bc we find ways to accommodate mining, ruin the reef etc.. Drug testing $ would be a drop in the ocean," Illy tweeted.
"Compared to the $ spent on these things. Or the new casino in Sydney. Or a million other things that don't disproportionately affect youth."
Illy also expressed his distaste for people who believe festival-goers should simply take a "just say no" approach.
"I disagree with a "just say no" approach because the middle age+ ppl saying that grew up with ppl experimenting. They know how young ppl do," he said.
"Because they were young once too. Unless they are lizard people who were born at 45. And even then, they prob still dabbled at one point."
"Bottom line, I dont think upholding a hardline stance should come b4 kids safety, when we can possibly prevent shit by changing our approach." he concluded.
Illy's comments come a week after he wrote a Facebook post supporting drug testing calls which were also made by Peking Duk and Dr David Caldicott.
Check out the full set of tweets below.
Meanwhile, Illy will next perform at Festival Of The Sun today in Port Macquarie, followed by his newly-announced The Swear Jar tour in February.
Head to theGuide for more details.
I've kind of stumbled into this spot where I'm being interviewed about drug testing, like I'm an expert on it. So allow me to frame this..
— Illy (@illyal) December 10, 2015
I'm a musician. I (barely) speak for a section of young people. This is an important issue for the youth, bc it basically only affects us.
— Illy (@illyal) December 10, 2015
I disagree with a "just say no" approach because the middle age+ ppl saying that grew up with ppl experimenting. They know how young ppl do
— Illy (@illyal) December 10, 2015
Because they were young once too. Unless they are lizard people who were born at 45. And even then, they prob still dabbled at one point.
— Illy (@illyal) December 10, 2015
I disagree with the funding argument bc we find ways to accommodate mining, ruin the reef etc.. Drug testing $ would be a drop in the ocean
— Illy (@illyal) December 10, 2015
Compared to the $ spent on these things. Or the new casino in Sydney. Or a million other things that don't disproportionately affect youth.
— Illy (@illyal) December 10, 2015
Being a musician, and being at festivals, is my job. I don't go there to get fucked up. I'm not saying this in self interest.
— Illy (@illyal) December 10, 2015
But young people are going out and not coming home. And that is fucked. And anyone who says "they knew the risk" is fucked too IMO
— Illy (@illyal) December 10, 2015
And when we're able to do something about that, but don't, for one of the reasons I've said, then that, to me, is stupid and short sighted
— Illy (@illyal) December 10, 2015
So anyway, you can disagree, but that's my take. Anything written beyond what I've just said is potentially not my words. These are 100%
— Illy (@illyal) December 10, 2015
So really, anyone wanting to interview me on this shit, just quote those last tweets. And..
— Illy (@illyal) December 10, 2015
Bottom line, I dont think upholding a hardline stance should come b4 kids safety, when we can possibly prevent shit by changing our approach
— Illy (@illyal) December 10, 2015
Yours truly, the idiot musician who made a song that has 17 "fuck"'s in it.
— Illy (@illyal) December 10, 2015
