Bambie Thug’s Eurovision song was drenched in darkness. Stop normalising the occult

‘Doomsday Blue’ was another example of a liberal backlash against the institutional church. That’s fair enough, says Tony Wilson. But the demonic imagery was a dangerous step too far, he says

This is an article I don’t particularly want to write. But I think I should. The outline was forming in my mind as I watched the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night.

My reticence springs from knowing full well that Bambie Thug’s Eurovision song, ‘Doomsday Blue’, is poking a big stick at people who hold socially traditional views. I don’t want to be that columnist who takes offence and harrumphs about things. I respect freedom of expression and understand that artists sometimes challenge and disturb us. But when the message includes occult references, curses and imagery so malevolent surely there is a right to reply.

Eurovision had a reputation for being harmless, cheesy fun for all the family. ABBA this is not. The entry from Ireland was dark to the extreme.