I’ve been writing queer content for queer publications for over ten queer years now, and I always figured that would cause some waves. I mean, just the fact that I, a gay dude, exist seems to be enough to get some religious undergarments in a twist, but I never would have guessed that an article about a Disney cover band would be the one to cause controversy.
You’re a dedicated QBurgh reader, you don’t need any reminders, but for any new people out there, back in 2022, I wrote a delightful little story about The Little Mermen, the Ultimate Disney Tribute Band, and how their shows create a nostalgic, magical, and inclusive experience for all. From queer members to drag queen guest performers, this band is all about accepting everyone for exactly who they are. It shouldn’t surprise you that some wet blankets out there couldn’t stand for that kind of thing for long. I got to catch up with the King Merman himself, Alexis Babini, ahead of the band’s next Pittsburgh show (Sunday, December 15th at the Hard Rock Cafe!) to hear just how much trouble we caused.
Once upon a time, Larry Yost, a candidate for State Representative for Pennsylvania’s 50th Legislative District and self-described “Friendly neighborhood Designer” and “Citizen Journalist,” decided to make it his personal duty to warn the fair citizens of Greene County, PA, about the impending doom headed their way in the form of a rock concert full of beloved Disney tunes. Larry made over a dozen posts on Facebook, attempting to organize other hate-mongers to protest The Little Mermen performing at the Greene County Fair. He cited the band’s posts expressing solidarity in the face of Florida’s regressive “Don’t Say Gay” bill and even shared a screenshot of my QBurgh article about the band, highlighting one of the band member’s quotes about how queer-inclusive their shows can be.
The fair organizers, to their credit, set the record straight, stating that “The Little Mermen are a Disney tribute band that brings joy to children of all backgrounds and abilities, they are not a “Drag Show” with any hidden themes or agendas. We stand by our decision to feature them. We believe their performance will provide a magical experience for everyone attending.”
Oh, AND Larry lost that election. Bummer Larry.
The drama doesn’t end there, though. Pastor Tommy Burke of the McMinville Church of God in Tennessee took such issue with The Little Mermen’s message of love and acceptance that he called on his followers to protest the show, warning that the band means to “turn their children gay” and that they must “cast out the serpent.”
Ironically, his efforts backfired spectacularly. By repeatedly announcing the date, time, and details of the concert during his sermons, he actually doubled the band’s ticket sales. “Since he gave us free promotion, maybe we should invite Pastor Burke to join us on stage for a duet of ‘Let It Go?’” says Alexis. “Of course, he’ll need to swap his fire-and-brimstone biblical rhetoric for a little magical snow and ice!”
Alexis feels that incidents like this underscore the challenges they face, but he reiterates that they are committed to creating safe-space concerts that are full of “rockin’ sing-alongs and Disney magic.”
These situations seem absurd and frustrating, but they have also helped highlight the importance of The Little Mermen’s mission and the overwhelming community support they have received in response. “Our shows are not just a performance,” says Alexis, “but a celebration of diversity, acceptance, and bringing folks together.”
If you’re ready to celebrate with a bit of Disney magic, The Little Mermen are bringing their new holiday show to Pittsburgh this weekend, performing the classics you love with a bunch of seasonal surprises sprinkled in. Spoiler alert: Muppet Christmas Carol, Nightmare Before Christmas, and more!
The Little Mermen Holiday Show will be at Pittsburgh’s Hard Rock Cafe this Sunday, December 15th, so get your tickets now!
