REO Speedwagon backs out of SeaWorld show

ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Rock band REO Speedwagon is the latest act to back out of a planned February show at SeaWorld in Orlando, Fla., TMZ reported Friday.

The musicians are following in the footsteps of Cheap Trick, Trisha Yearwood, Willie Nelson, Barenaked Ladies and Heart, who have declined to perform as scheduled at the Bands, Brew and BBQ event due to pressure from animal-rights activists who claim the maritime theme park abuses its whales.

Sources close to REO Speedwagon told TMZ the group's cancellation is directly related to the documentary "Blackfish," a CNN expose about the park.