Massive Wagons launch anti-bullying campaign supporting The Sophie Lancaster Foundation

British rock band Massive Wagons have launched a national anti-bullying campaign in support of The Sophie Lancaster Foundation.

It follows the release of their recent single, ‘F—k the Haters’, which is described by the band as ‘a supportive rallying cry for those who have been affected by any form of bullying’, whether it be face-to-face or online.

The accompanying music video underlines this message as it portrays the band standing up against incessant social media trolling and sinister anonymous figures.

You can watch the video here.

The band have also shared an interview featuring frontman Barry ‘Baz’ Mills and guitarist Adam Thistlethwaite discussing the inspiration behind the single and some of their personal experiences with bullying and online abuse.

Watch: Massive Wagons’ Baz and Adam discuss bullying and online abuse

Talking about his own experiences Baz said: “I took a lot of crap at school, it seemed like my universe at the time revolved around being picked on, going to school and just coming home in one piece. I got it in the neck from kids and teachers all the time; I wasn't the smartest lad and I was very, very small for my age - both things I believe contributed to the s--t I got.”

The singer said that joining the RAF was a massive turning point for him, but that the experiences left their scars.

“Long story short, that abuse will never leave me,” he continues. “It crosses my mind at least once a day every day - but it didn’t beat me. I use that s--t as a tool to be who I am now.

“It reminds me every day that I can do anything I want. It has taught me to be kind, sympathetic, and understanding with others. I never ever want to be the bully or abuser – f--k them, f--k them all.

“They aren’t in a rock band, working for themselves, doing something they love, touching people’s lives with words and music, taking my daughter to school and bringing her home, doing what I like when I like. I've done this, you can do this, don't be beaten down, don't let them win, live your life how you wanna live it, F--K THE HATERS.”

Massive Wagons are donating a portion of all proceeds from a range of ‘F--k the Haters’ merchandise to The Sophie Lancaster Foundation, along with more family-friendly ‘Forget the Haters’ versions.

The collection includes T-shirts, foam hands, patches and goodie packs and you can see the full range here.

Adam Lancaster, from The Sophie Lancaster Foundation said: “The message in this Massive Wagons song, ‘Wear what you want, be who you want to be, and be proud about it’, absolutely reflects the core message of The Sophie Lancaster Foundation.

“The unprovoked gang attack on Sophie was solely because of her Gothic appearance. Our work focuses on educating people that difference should be celebrated not feared and we all have the right to be who we are without harassment or violence.

“It’s great that this campaign has such a strong anti-bullying message as we know how devastating the effects of bullying can be. We are so grateful that the band will be donating a proportion of merchandise sales to the Foundation and we will use any proceeds to deliver much needed anti-bullying workshops in schools.”

Find out more about the Sophie Lancaster Foundation’s work, and how you can support them, here.

Gallery: Download Pilot featuring Massive Wagons

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