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Post by chadgumbo on Aug 23, 2004 22:53:05 GMT -5
Naïve? Overly sensitive? Surely not moi?… OK, maybe a little… BUT…<br>Let’s start with Scott. In his most recent post (with regard to this thread) Scott says “Besides, anyone who goes to a Bonnie show and isn’t prepared to hear something coming from the left side of the aisle is fairly naïve.” A little blunt, maybe, but I have to admit you threw a bullseye there. Rock artists making known their political views is not a new concept and Bonnie is more vocal than many of her colleagues. You’re right to think that I’m naïve if I really believe Bonnie is going to hold her tongue. The flip side of that coin however is that it might be somewhat naïve of the performers of our generation to think that we’re going to hang on their every word at that point in the show when they decide to serve it up for us. 1970 is long gone and Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young aren’t singing “Ohio” to a crowd of 15 – 25 year olds anymore. We’re pushing 50 & 60 now and we know to think for ourselves, thank you very much. Scott also poses the question “…when someone uses tons of petroleum to travel around in order to denounce the use of petroleum. On the other hand, how IS one supposed to travel around to decry the use of petroleum?… how does one spread the word?” From my point of view I touched on it in my first 2 postings. Tell it to Larry King. Tell it to Rolling Stone magazine. Tell it to any of a host of national media venues that are readily available to a celebrity with the clout of a Bruce Springsteen or a Bonnie Raitt. Just a thought. In Mike’s most recent posting he says “…you can’t presume to tell them what to say (how to design their show)… If you are overly sensitive to this, your choices are to not go, or tolerate.” Mike, you of course, are correct as well. As you also stated, when I buy a ticket I am “buying their product, packaged as they designed it.” And I might be willing to consider what Don Henley has to say about ecology if he has just finished performing “Goodbye to a River” or perhaps “The Last Resort”. With Henley, his music and his politics are admittedly at times part of the same package. When Bonnie sandwiches her politics between “Love Sneakin Up on You” and “Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About” then I’m not sure I get the connection about her music and politics being a package (actually I don’t remember exactly where in the show she delivered her message about fossil fuels except to say that it was in the latter portion of the concert). In fairness to Bonnie, her message was very brief (probably less than a minute). No doubt my first 2 postings, and this one as well, do cast me as being overly sensitive to the matter. But what appears to be hypersensitivity is really me just trying to clarify my point of view and simply FAILING AT BREVITY. To answer Mike’s assertion “your choices are to not go, or tolerate” I can say with certainty that given the opportunity to see Bonnie Raitt again, I would buy a ticket to that show without hesitation. And yes, she would again have something to say, and I would likely hear the message with a certain amount of skepticism. BUT, if I spotted an interview of Bonnie’s in a magazine I would read it from start to finish and give it its due consideration. Why? Because of my belief that that is the appropriate forum for her to air her views, simple as that. - later all, chadgumbo
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Post by Mike on Aug 24, 2004 0:42:21 GMT -5
You don't sound naive, or overly sensitive at all...so surely you can put up with a short "gospel sermon" from a passionate performer as talented as Raitt, Taylor, Browne, Henley, Springsteen, Nugent ect,ect. People like these actually consider it thier duty to speak thier mind, particularly about this administration and this election. Many of us grew up in a generation with most of these more outspoken performers when there was a time where this language was not all offensive but appreciated by most. I realize that things have changed, but the above mentioned crowd has not...so much. Anyone that is familier with Henley and his work, I can't argue with. He is quite the police of environmental issues, but if you recall "Inside Job" you can see that he also is very aware of his political surroundings. His show is exceptional, and it would not be a Henley show without a short "political sermonl"! Trust me, if you're a Henley fan, it's worth it. BTW-Did you know that "Goodby to a River" was written by a Texas Parks & Wildlife Ranger?
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Post by chadgumbo on Aug 24, 2004 9:48:07 GMT -5
Thanks Mike, Actually thanks to both you and Scott for presenting your side of the issue and helping to keep everything balanced. Yes, I can indulge a brief sermon and that sort of thing isn't going to keep me away from a concert. It's just, for me anyway, like the difference between being served pie by a waiter, or being served pie be a waiter who sneezes as he walks across the room with your pie. He doesn't sneeze directly on your pie, but still the latter is just slightly less palatable and would be left on its plate. Mike and Scott, keep up the great posts - chadgumbo
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Post by featsmeister on Aug 25, 2004 13:07:48 GMT -5
If bands stayed out of politics, there would be no Rock and Roll today. From Dylan to the Dead - they all expounded their political views and that's what gave Rock and Roll a heart. Otherwise we'd still be listening to cute little love songs!
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MCH
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Post by MCH on Aug 25, 2004 14:40:35 GMT -5
The Dead Get Political
Band takes a stand for Kerry, prepares for fortieth anniversary
"It's time to get registered, it's time to vote," says Dead guitarist Bob Weir. "If you ever want to vote again, do it now. I'm not telling people who to vote for. I think they can figure it out. But I will say this: If every Deadhead in the state of Florida had voted in the last election, it'd be a very different world right now." Never known for mixing their music with politics, the Dead -- the abbreviated name for the post-Jerry Garcia incarnation of the Grateful Dead -- have taken up a cause: removing George Bush from office. The group has even been playing "Johnny B. Goode," the Kerry campaign theme song, during shows. According to Weir, the Dead's move into political activism came from a sense of urgency.
"It occurs to me and the rest of the guys that this may be our last meaningful election," Weir says. "If we continue to drift the way we're drifting, the United States will become a democracy in name only. Instead of government of the people, by the people and for the people, we'll have government of the people, by the elite and for the elite, and the people will come secondarily."
The Dead kicked off their summer-long Wave That Flag Tour at the Bonnaroo Music Festival in Tennessee on June 12th, and it ends Thursday in Atlanta. The outing is the latest step in a revitalization of the band, which reunited in 2003 around the core of Weir, bassist Phil Lesh and drummers Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart. They streamlined their organization, cutting the employee roster in half and outsourcing merchandising and ticketing operations.
This is their first tour with a three-guitar lineup that includes new addition Warren Haynes. According to Weir, differences among band members have largely been resolved. "Going into this, I was thinking maybe we were gonna need a traffic cop," says Weir. "But everybody's listening to everyone else, and Warren has made us a little more muscular."
The tour hasn't been smooth sailing. In June, the Dead sold out only three of five nights at Colorado's Red Rocks Amphitheater, and they played to half-empty houses in Phoenix and Salt Lake City. But Weir says the crowds have been enthusiastic -- and young. "There are kids up front who don't mind the elbows," he says. "A few rows back, they get a few years older."
The group will celebrate its fortieth anniversary in 2005 and plans to launch a major U.S. tour next year. Rhino Records will release several studio reissues and rare live material. Asked whether the band plans to put out new music, Weir says, "I don't know if albums are the way it's going to be done anymore. With downloading, the album may be an obsolete concept. If there's some reason to put out a group of songs together, we may do that. We'll be recording all along. We've written a few new songs already."
PARKE PUTERBAUGH (Posted Aug 18, 2004)
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Post by Mike on Aug 25, 2004 22:41:47 GMT -5
KOOL!!!!
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MCH
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Post by MCH on Aug 25, 2004 22:52:16 GMT -5
Steve Earle - The Revolution Starts...Now Wednesday, August 25, 2004 Yikes! Here come the REPUBLICANS!!! Yikes! Here come the Republicans!!!! Greetings from NYC--- Ok so I’ve answered the same questions over and over again enough times that I’m starting to make up the answers just to keep from screaming and I’ve been in town for almost two weeks and I haven’t been anywhere near Yankee Stadium yet. On the upside the radio show is up and running-got john sayles on this week. That should be fun. It’s weird being the interviewer after all this time. I catch myself staring at my guests waiting for them to ask ME a question. The real problem I’ve encountered has been booking guests. Everyone with any sense has left town. Well that leaves me out. I’m staying to march with the Kensington Welfare Rights Union on Sunday-permit or no permit. I hope bail money’s in the promotion budget. I hope it doesn’t get too ugly out there but I don’t know what Bloomberg and Bush expected. The only reason they are holding this convention in this city is that hole in the ground downtown because it represents all of our deepest and darkest fears and fear IS their platform and their agenda and their only agenda. That being said, those of us who are staying would do well to keep our cool. I submit that the most effective course of action is to carry coolness a step further. If anyone is to overreact, let it be the man. Nonviolence as practiced by Gandhi and Dr. King is not primarily a spiritual exercise. It is rather, a tactic, tried and true. It requires courage and discipline and it’s not as exciting are as instantly gratifying as the sound of breaking glass but it works. Come to New York!!! Get out in the street. Don’t let them tell you where you can march and where you can assemble but DON’T play into their hands. They want us to fuck up. They want it to get out of hand. They want us to marginalize ourselvelves.
Be careful out there, Steve
posted by Steve # 3:58 PM 8 comments
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MCH
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Post by MCH on Aug 25, 2004 23:00:12 GMT -5
On sale now: Dave Matthews Band / Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals / Jurassic 5 / My Morning Jacket 10/1 in State College, PA 10/2 in Dayton, OH 10/3 in Detroit, MI 10/6 in Ames, IA 10/8 in Gainesville, FL
On sale starting Thursday at 1 PM EST: Jackson Browne / Bonnie Raitt / Keb' Mo' / Crosby Stills and Nash 9/29 in Phoenix, AZ
Thursday at 2 PM EST: Bonnie Raitt / Keb' Mo' 10/6 in Des Moines, IA
Thursday at 3 PM EST: Bonnie Raitt / Keb' Mo' / Sheryl Crow 10/8 in Jacksonville, FL
On sale starting Friday at 10 AM EST: John Mellencamp / Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds 10/1 in Wilkes-Barre, PA
Friday at 11 AM EST: John Mellencamp / Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds 10/2 in Columbus, OH
Friday at 12 noon EST: John Mellencamp / Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds 10/3 in Kalamazoo, MI
Friday at 1 PM EST: Dave Matthews Band / Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals / Jurassic 5 / My Morning Jacket 10/5 in Madison, WI
Friday at 2 PM EST: John Mellencamp / Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds 10/5 in Milwaukee, WI
Friday at 3 PM EST: John Mellencamp / Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds 10/8 in Miami, FL
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Post by Mike on Aug 25, 2004 23:02:35 GMT -5
Yahoo! Back to the '70's!!!! There are those that should probably give up on "bands staying out of politics" for the next couple of months.
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MCH
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Post by MCH on Aug 25, 2004 23:10:15 GMT -5
From: www.subdudes.com/index.html Help is on the Way!’<br>The Subdudes agree – One of Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry's key phrases and themes from his nomination acceptance speech Thursday night sounds as if it could've been inspired by a Subdudes' song by the same name! "Help is On the Way" is one of the highlights of the band's self-titled first album.
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Post by jashley on Aug 28, 2004 17:08:18 GMT -5
When have bands stayed out of politics.
Should they stay out of sex, love, food. Politics is part of life.
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Post by Mike on Aug 29, 2004 10:17:01 GMT -5
However, I do think that politicians should stay out of bands! ;D
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Post by Tipi on Aug 30, 2004 23:02:36 GMT -5
hehehe ok ... so as Van Morrison said "I'm too drunk to stop now" I just offended a high school buddy asking him not to send me anymore Pro georgy porgy email ... so what's to lose. Bands should absolutely NOT stay out of politics! If it weren't for music ... I would have offed myself years ago for lack of hope. Back in high school I ran trough the halls like chicken little when george sr. was "named" (not elected) to the vice presidency ... "we're all done! It's over! We're not "Americans anymore! We just gave the keys to the white house to the CIMFA!" " oh shut up!" I was told. "You're paranoid" "Oh yeah? I bet you $100.00'S that ronny gets shot within a year." Needless to say (perhaps not) ... I was sad to win that bet. America I believe is at a crossroads. Best vocalized by a dying Morrie Schwartz ... "We Love ... or we perish". Clearly ... as long as mommy & daddy love him ... W just don't give a f*ck. Now ... I realize some of you must 'own some shit' ... otherwise I need to believe that you couldn't simultaneously like Little feat AND convince yourself George is the answer (to ANYTHING!). I embrace what you have! I am truly glad for you! BUT somehow I know that no matter how loud you sqwauk (sorry RM) that there is a little voice in your head that's making more noise than any of Us about how hard you have to work to believe the CRAP you're spewing. Ahhhh there! I feel much better!
Now ... if I could swallow either the possibility that america isn't so frickin' deluded ... or that the scary folks won't just steal the election ... thus finding me in an america that is bush free ... I could even become hopeful for the future of humanity! I've yet to be convinced of either possibilty. Sorry all ... but I clearly had to get that out (like forrest whitaker in the green mile). Keep Hope Alive! PEACE, Todd
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Post by Tipi on Aug 30, 2004 23:10:57 GMT -5
PS. 1 of the most politically vocal musicians in the world was just awarded a CMA lifetime achievement award. Way to go Kris Kristofferson! That is all
Soo thank your lucky stars you got protection walk the line and never mind the cost Wonder who them lawmen were protecting When they nailed the savoir to the cross
Cause the law is for protection of the people Rules are rules and any fool can see we don't need no riddle speakin' prophets scarin' decent folks like you & me No sirreee KK
PEACE, T ps the recent decline in All posts here gave me the impetous to vent
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Post by chadgumbo on Aug 30, 2004 23:57:35 GMT -5
What was that line from The Godfather: Part III? “Just when I thought I was out for good, [glow=red,2,300]they pull me right back in![/glow]” Or something along those lines. Jashley writes “When have bands stayed out of politics. Should they stay out of sex, love, food. Politics is part of life.” And I thought I might try to come up with something witty to say like, “Well yes of course they shouldn’t deny themselves any of those things, but I’m certainly not going to lay $50- down for a ticket to see Sheryl Crow have sex and eat her supper on stage!” Wait a minute, I think I need to rephrase that. “I’m certainly not going to lay $50- down for a ticket to see that lead singer guy from Blues Traveler have sex and eat his supper on stage!” But I’m not going to say something like that because for once I want to try and keep this thing short. But seriously, when Jashley poses the question “When have bands stayed out of politics?” and Featmeister says “If bands stayed out of politics, there would be no Rock & Roll today”, the inference is that rock & roll is better for having the courage to stand up and speak its mind. Rock artists aren’t going to cower or hide from anyone! They’re creative people and we want them to be passionate about music, life, and politics! And as much as my previous posts may seem to indicate that I personally would like to stifle their political views, in actuality nothing could be further from the truth. I like my rock artists to be passionate too. And I do want them to be ardent about their politics. But here’s what I don’t want…<br> I don’t want somebody voting for Bush for no other reason than the voter happens to like the song “Cat Scratch Fever”. Nor do I want someone voting for Kerry because they like “10th Avenue Freeze Out.” Because that's not voting. That’s giving Springsteen (or Nugent) 2 votes, his own plus the vote of the devoted fan. If Spread Head Don fears apathy, then I say I do too and I think voting for the candidate that your favorite rock star happens to like reaches the absolute heights (or should I say depths) of apathy. For those of you who would like to say to me that I’m not giving enough credit to the fans, let me remind you that I’m from Minnesota. And for those of you asking “What does being from Minnesota have to do with anything?” I give you 2 words… Jesse Ventura. How many votes did Jesse get because somebody thought “I ain’t got time to bleed” sounded like a cool line, or because they thought he looked great in sunglasses and a boa when he wrestled? I do think the stage performers want to respect their audiences, but I fear they want their candidates to win more, and so the respect for the intelligence of the audience may become a secondary consideration. If the performers could discipline themselves to preface their comments by reminding the audiences that this IS an important election, and there ARE some very serious issues that need to be weighed, and that we (the performers) want you (the fans) to learn all you can about BOTH candidates, and then VOTE in the manner in which you think is best for your country... then if the performer wanted to expound for a short while on his/her own views I could listen with respect and without skepticism. And there are some that do that. But there are those that don’t as well. So this is why I wish they would express their views from Larry King’s microphone or from Rolling Stone magazine. Because someone who is foolish enough to vote for a candidate based solely on the fact that it’s “the guy Ted Nugent will vote for” isn’t as likely to read an interview or watch CNN. And I would rather that an uninformed voter either educate oneself or not vote at all. The voter has the right to vote, but first has the responsibility to know what he/she is voting for. How was that for brevity? - DOH! -chadgumbo P.S. And Mike "There are those who probably should give up on 'bands staying out of politics' for the next couple of months." Maybe I should, but don't you kinda miss me when I'm not spewing crap about my hopes for intelligent voters reaching an intelligent decision in November?
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