Death Cab for Cutie, Chvrches turn NC concerts into LGBT benefits

"We will not be taking a single dime from these shows. All profits will be donated to these important organizations," the band said in a statement. 

House Bill 2 requires transgender people to use public bathrooms that correspond to their birth gender, and it excludes gay and transgender people from protections against discrimination in employment and public accommodations.

Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, violinist Itzhak Perlman and Cirque du Soleil are among the performers who have canceled North Carolina appearances in recent months because of the state law.

"We have absolutely loved playing in North Carolina over the past 17 years," Death Cab for Cutie's Ben Gibbard said in a statement, "Not only have the crowds always been amazing but we have met so many wonderful people who remain friends to this day. Not to mention that the music of Chapel Hill's Superchunk, Archers of Loaf and countless others have been integral to the ethos and sound of our band. And so it is with a heavy heart that we announce these shows in Asheville and Charlotte will be our last in North Carolina as long as HB2 stands.  We sincerely hope we won't have to wait long to come back."

"We are incredibly distressed by HB2 and all that has been happening in North Carolina, but are also heartened to hear about so many people fighting to create positive change,” ​Chvrches’ Lauren Mayberry said. “I know that our fans will join us and Death Cab in promoting equality, empathy and understanding between people, and we are proud to be supporting Freedom Center for Social Justice and Southerners On New Ground at this show."