Following the deaths of Sylvia Choi and Stefan Woodward at this year’s Stereosonic tour, not to mention several hospitalisations attributed to effect of illicit drugs, there has been much debate as how to handle the situation. There has been musch outrage at the use of sniffer dogs and strip searches as well as the discussion of drug testing at festivals. Melbourne rapper Illy has found himself at the centre of the drug testing conversation, and this morning took to Twitter to make his point of view very, very clear.
Backing his stance on drug testing, Illy claims that any required funding required to educate people should be found considering it will help save lives.
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
Meanwhile the media have taken a very practical stance on the issue…
Illy is about to embark on his Swear Jar tour, which will see him invite fans to donate to his virtual jar every time they swear with proceeds going to BeyondBlue.
