Love Music Hate Racism Responds After Former Zutons Guitarist Boyan Chowdhury Is Racistly Attacked in Liverpool

Former Zutons guitarist Boyan Chowdhury suffered a brutal racist attack in Liverpool, prompting Love Music Hate Racism to issue a powerful statement.

A Shocking Incident That Hits Close to Home

It’s heartbreaking when someone from the music community faces such a hateful attack. Boyan Chowdhury, once the lead guitarist for The Zutons, took to Instagram on March 22 to share a harrowing experience: he was physically and racially assaulted by a “gang of lads” in Liverpool’s Wavertree area the day before.

Chowdhury’s words hit hard: “I was racially attacked by a gang of lads yesterday afternoon. Got called a PAKI, SAND NIGGER and DIRTY ARAB. Then one of [them] ran at me from the side with a two-foot-long piece of wood. If I hadn’t turned around I believe I would’ve been struck on the back of the head and dead right now.”

He continued, describing how the attack unfolded: “He got me across the front and as you can see split my head open down to the skull. They had run back to his friend’s house to get the piece of wood to attack me. This city is fucking shit. Full of dirty horrible racist rats. And it’s just getting worse by the day.”

The Instagram post didn’t shy away from showing the aftermath, featuring graphic images of the deep wound on his forehead—a stark visual reminder of the brutality he endured.

Standing in Solidarity: Love Music Hate Racism Speaks Out

The response from Love Music Hate Racism (LMHR) was swift and resolute. On March 23, they posted a message that echoed the communal pain and outrage: “Love Music Hate Racism stands with musician Boyan of The Zutons and against the vile racists who attacked and assaulted him.”

They didn’t just express sympathy but also called for action and unity, underscoring the importance of collective resistance: “This gross act of far-right racist violence is a reminder of how important it is for us all to make clear that there are more of us than them.”

The statement concluded with a rallying cry for the music and activist community alike: “We call on everyone to march through London as part of the Together Alliance demonstration this Saturday. Love The Zutons, Hate Racism. No Reform.”

The Police Response and Investigation

Merseyside Police confirmed that Chowdhury was racially abused during an altercation near Fieldway. They characterized the incident as “hate related” and urged anyone with information to come forward.

It’s disturbing to realize that such attacks still persist, and the authorities are calling for community support to hold perpetrators accountable.

Boyan Chowdhury’s Musical Journey

For fans who cherish The Zutons’ distinctive sound, Boyan Chowdhury is a familiar face. He was the band’s original lead guitarist from their inception in 2001 until 2007, when he amicably parted ways due to “musical differences.” His contribution helped shape the band’s early identity during the peak of their success.

Following his departure, Boyan didn’t stray far from music. He formed The Gravity Trap and played with The Venus Fury, continuing to nurture his passion for guitar and songwriting.

In 2018, he briefly rejoined The Zutons for their reunion tours, reuniting with fans and bandmates alike before leaving again in 2022. Notably, he did not participate in their 2024 album, The Big Decider, marking a new chapter in the band’s evolving lineup.

The Together Alliance March: A Stand Against Hate

The call from Love Music Hate Racism to join the Together Alliance demonstration in London is a vital reminder of the power of collective voice in the face of rising far-right extremism.

Scheduled for Saturday, March 28, this march is organized by Together Against The Far Right, an alliance determined to foster unity and raise awareness about the growing threat of far-right groups in the UK.

The event boasts an impressive lineup of supporters from the music world, including:

• Fontaines D.C.
• Paloma Faith
• Leigh-Anne Pinnock
• Brian Eno
• Kneecap
• The Charlatans
• Clean Bandit
• Charlotte Church
• Beverley Knight
• Joy Crookes
• Frank Turner
• AURORA
• Toddla T
• Napalm Death
• Cornershop

This diverse roster symbolizes a powerful front of artists standing shoulder to shoulder against hate and discrimination.

The Rising Tide of Far-Right Protests

This demonstration also responds to a surge in far-right protests throughout the past year. One of the most notable was the “unite the kingdom” rally in central London last September, which drew an estimated crowd between 110,000 and 150,000. Among the speakers were far-right activist Tommy Robinson and tech mogul Elon Musk, marking a chilling moment of mainstream attention to extremist views.

On the opposing side, some 5,000 anti-fascist counter-protesters made their voices heard, illustrating the deep divisions and the fierce pushback against hate groups.

“This gross act of far-right racist violence is a reminder of how important it is for us all to make clear that there are more of us than them.”
— Love Music Hate Racism

How Can We Keep The Music Alive Without Hate?

When a musician like Boyan Chowdhury, whose riffs once helped soundtrack our nights out or quiet moments, becomes a victim of such vile hate, it reminds us why activism matters. Music has always been a unifying force, transcending barriers and building bridges.

In times like these, standing together—whether at a concert, a march, or just in everyday life—becomes crucial. How will you show your support for artists and communities facing hate today?

FAQ

• What happened to Boyan Chowdhury?
  Boyan Chowdhury was racially abused and physically attacked by a group of men in Liverpool, sustaining a serious head injury.
• Who is Boyan Chowdhury?
  He is the former lead guitarist of The Zutons, notable for shaping the band’s early sound before leaving in 2007.
• What is Love Music Hate Racism?
  An organization that uses music and culture to fight against racism and promote unity among diverse communities.
• When and where is the Together Alliance march?
  The march is set for Saturday, March 28, in London, aiming to oppose far-right extremism.
• Which artists support the Together Alliance demonstration?
  Many, including Fontaines D.C., Paloma Faith, Brian Eno, The Charlatans, and more, have backed the event.

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