Dickson City show canceled after AI promo dispute engulfs lineup

A Sept. 25 metal and alternative-rock show at Union Vapors 570 in Dickson City was canceled after a band’s promotional image prompted a hostile social-media dispute about artificial intelligence. The lineup had included Scranton-based Slapjaw, Purple Lung, DOUR and Shodemon. Slapjaw posted an image to its own social-media accounts that appeared to be AI-generated, and critics then exchanged comments with a Slapjaw representative, according to The Times-Tribune. Ken Stucker, co-owner of the vape shop and music venue, said the initial debate did not involve Union Vapors 570. But the venue was tagged in disputed posts, drawing Stucker into responses to numerous messages. He said the exchange devolved into “bullying,” and all four acts ultimately withdrew amid the hostility and discomfort with AI. Slapjaw could not be reached for comment, the original posts appeared to have been deleted, and Stucker said he did not have a copy of them. Purple Lung said it had not withdrawn specifically because of generative AI, while stressing that its artists belong to “an ecosystem of other artists.” The cancellation itself brought a further round of discussion to the venue’s accounts, including arguments about AI’s place in art and disappointment from people who had hoped to attend the show. Union Vapors 570 was recently named venue of the year at the Steamtown Music Awards. Stucker said the venue does not use AI-made promotional material, but it had not previously set rules for what artists did on their own platforms. He was formulating a written policy that would bar performers from using AI to promote a Union Vapors 570 engagement, whether on their own social-media accounts or in other advertising. The proposed rule still has an unresolved boundary. Stucker said he was unsure how it would treat applications and digital tools that incorporate AI-powered effects without generating an entire promotional item. He described opposition to AI as part of an unwritten code in the wider music scene, where inexpensive DIY promotion has traditionally been expected to remain authentic. The three acts other than Slapjaw remain welcome to perform at Union Vapors 570. A future booking for Slapjaw would require a conversation between the band and the venue, Stucker said. The dispute follows a separate venue policy in Oakland. Thee Stork Club banned AI-generated fliers and required human-made artwork for gig promotion, saying poster art was integral to its live-show creative process. The club said it would work with local graphic artists to assist performers who could not otherwise meet the requirement, after observing an influx of AI-made fliers at the venue and elsewhere.