Michelle Shocked lives up to her name

Wow. No one saw that one coming.

Apparently last night's Michelle Shocked show at Yoshi's turned into something you'd expect from the Westboro Baptist Church rather than a folksinger, complete with a "God hates fags" rant. Coming from a woman who once self-identified as bisexual, fans were shocked and stunned. Some left the show. Many went to Twitter to try to make sense of what happened to the singer best known for her hit "Anchorage" a quarter century ago.

Some fans tried to see it as some sort of satire, but ultimately Shocked's rant was so pointed and hateful that even the die-hard fans on Twitter reluctantly concluded that she meant it. "Totally sincere. Super anti-gay and hateful," Matt Penfield Tweeted. Yoshi's management finally shut down the show.

Shocked Tweeted "Truth is leading to painful confrontation" and has gone silent ever since. She has attended a church in Los Angeles for years, as seen below.
According to her official YouTube channel the San Francisco show was the opening night on her new tour; she'll be in Los Angeles soon. Fan reaction is going to be interesting.

Update: The fallout has begun, with the nationally syndicated, socially conscious music show eTown cancelling Shocked's upcoming appearance. Helen Forster, co-founder of the long-running program with her husband Nick, issued this statement this afternoon:

In light of recent developments, eTown must cancel the upcoming concert with Michelle Shocked, originally scheduled to take place in May at eTown Hall. From the very beginning, our goal as an organization has been to foster a spirit of community and inclusiveness in all that we do - whether it's a radio taping, special event, concert or social cause we support. We are deeply saddened by today's news, and are pulling the plug on this event. Anyone who had purchased tickets for the show can receive a full refund... We apologize for any inconvenience, and appreciate your understanding.

More update: Shows have now been canceled in Colorado, Illinois, Oregon and California, and Yoshi's has banned the singer from ever performing there again. I'd be surprised if she plays another show anytime soon.