Photo: Rex USA.
Forget that googly eyed turkey. One of the floats in this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is already creating quite a buzz — but not in a good way. According to the Christian Science Monitor, some South Dakota ranchers are pretty upset that Joan Jett & the Blackhearts will be riding on the float promoting their state's tourism — and not because they don't, um, love rock 'n' roll.
Jett is vegetarian and a large supporter of PETA (which actually criticizes livestock production practices), so for a state where the cattle industry supports a large part of its residents' livelihoods, this is indeed a very odd match. But, according to South Dakota Tourism Secretary Jim Hagen, teaming up with Jett was not their doing. Since none of the artists of their choosing were available or interested in appearing on the float, Macy's took over and selected Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. "It's not because of any ill will Macy's is trying to create or anything," Hagen said. "They were just trying to do what they thought would be a great artist for us."
While some hope the songstress doesn't use her appearance to promote her vegetarian beliefs, Kristen Foster, a spokeswoman for Jett, said "Jett has played in South Dakota several times and is a fan of the state. She just accepted a gracious offer." (Christian Science Monitor)