Texas star says he was fat-shamed and threatened with losing job while in band

09 August 2023 , 13:51

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Texas performing during the British Summer Time festival at Hyde Park in London. (Image: PA Archive)

Former Texas band member Michael Bannister has opened up about his experiences of being "routinely fat-shamed" during his time with the Scottish band as he likened the music industry to the "wild west" in a recent interview.

Michael shed light on the "toxic" culture prevalent in the music industry, stating, "I was routinely fat-shamed during my time with Texas and not just fat-shamed but threatened with losing my gig if I didn't lose weight."

The recent allegations against US recording artist Lizzo were particularly triggering for him. He lamented: "Everyone thinks it's rock 'n' roll and glamorous, it's not. It's full to the brim with insecure bullies in positions of power."

After enduring 17 years with the band, Michael finally reached his breaking point. He has since found happiness in a career shift, now working as a political researcher for an SNP minister.

Despite his departure, Michael expressed concern that individuals in the industry continue to perpetuate bullying behaviour unchecked.

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Michael Bannister of Texas claimed he was fat-shamed

Reflecting on his past experiences, he told the Daily Record: "Texas played at Glastonbury this year but I honestly would rather have been working down a mine than be on that stage. I went on crazy diets before gigs to lose weight. I look back now and can't believe I did that. I didn't like who I was and started to question why I was allowing people to treat me the way they were, and how it affected me the way it did."

The former Texas star concluded by describing his time in the band as a "very toxic place to be" from which he desperately wanted to escape.

In a candid revelation, the 43 year old musician has openly discouraged his offspring from venturing into the music industry, aiming to shield them from experiencing the same hardships he faced.

Sharleen Spiteri, with her band Texas, performs on the main stage during the TRNSMT Festival on Glasgow Green in Glasgow. (PA Archive)

Contradicting these claims, a PR firm representing the band vehemently told the Daily Record that Michael's allegations are "completely untrue".

Meanwhile, American pop sensation Lizzo has been accused of fostering a hostile work environment and engaging in sexual harassment by three former backup dancers.

Lizzo, however, staunchly denies these accusations, dismissing them as "as unbelievable as they sound" and will not let her work be "overshadowed" by these allegations.

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Charlotte McIntyre