'If you don't like it, don't come back!' Texas Gov. Greg Abbott slaps down woke musicians boycotting SXSW in Austin due to 'super sponsors' such as the US Army and weapons makers as well as speeches by the CIA and NSA

Texas governor Gregg Abbott has offered a defiant farewell to bands pulling out of SXSW over its links to the military and defense manufacturers.

More than 80 bands have joined the boycott of the nine-day event in Austin in protest at its sponsorship by the US Army and talks such as by the CIA.

Activists at Austin for Palestine claim the sponsors are complicit in the 'mass slaughter' in Gaza and have urged organizers to cut ties with the 'warmongers'.

But Abbott said good riddance to those joining the stay-away protest.

'Bye. Don't come back,' he tweeted on X: 'Austin remains the HQ for the Army Futures Command. San Antonio is Military City USA. We are proud of the US military in Texas. If you don't like it, don't come here.'

Texas Governor Gregg Abbott said good riddance to those joining the stay-away protest

The nine-day festival brings thousands to Austin and contributes $380 million to the city's economy but more than 80 acts have now pulled out in protest at its links with the military

But festival organizers were accused of betraying their partners in a bid to staunch the exodus of performers.

'SXSW does not agree with Governor Abbott,' they insisted.

'We are an organization that welcomes diverse viewpoints. Music is the soul of SXSW, and it has long been our legacy.

'We fully respect the decision these artists made to exercise their right to free speech.'

Controversial Belfast rap act Kneecap were among the first to join the boycott 

Brooklyn-based singer Shalom Obisie-Orlu said 'I will never in my life put myself in a position where I would look back at my actions and be like, 'You danced for the war machine.'

New York's Allegra Krieger was due to play on Sunday before her last-minute pull-out

The US Army is thought to pay a six-figure sum to secure its status as one of six 'super sponsors' alongside Volkswagen, the Austin Chronicle, Porsche, C4 Energy and Delta.

And defense contractors Raytheon, Collins Aerospace and BAE Systems have also attracted protesters anger over their involvement in speaking events at the festival which also features programs by the NSA and the CIA.

The boycott was sparked by Chicago songwriter Ella Williams with an Instagram post on March 4 and quickly joined by Belfast rap act Kneecap, and Brooklyn-based singer Shalom Obisie-Orlu.

'The opportunity is massive, but I am South African – I come from the place where apartheid was invented,' Obisie-Orlu said.

'I will never in my life put myself in a position where I would look back at my actions and be like, 'You danced for the war machine.'

The festival also features parallel film, TV and the tech events contributing over $380m to the state capital's economy.

'The defense industry has historically been a proving ground for many of the systems we rely on today,' the festival tweeted as the row escalated.

'These institutions are often leaders in emerging technologies, and we believe it's better to understand how their approach will impact our lives.

'The Army's sponsorship is part of our commitment to bring forward ideas that shape our world,' it added.

'In regard to Collins Aerospace, they participated this year as a sponsor of two SXSW Pitch categories, giving entrepreneurs visibility and funding for potentially game-changing work.'

But their lukewarm defense of their Texas partners sparked fury among some fans.

'So then you cancelled the US Army's sponsorship and returned their money?' asked @MoggerMM.

'Bands have the freedom to express themselves at a music festival and then boycotts said music festival because of those who ensure those very freedoms. Ironic, isn't it?' tweeted Brian Satterwhite.

'Your position is ironic considering Hamas murdered, raped and plundered hundreds at a music festival!' added Randy Scott.

Dailymail.com has contacted SXSW and the US Army for comment.