Political Speech
 

I know this isn't necessarily a SY topic, but since it seems to rear its head often enough with live shows, I thought I would throw it in here.
What do you think of bands talking politics during a live show? I am talking mostly about supporting one candidate over another.

No.

No, as in "No, don't do it." or "No, it doesn't bother me."?

I was kidding.
Actually, it really depends on the way the band talks about politic.

I'm sure I would feel uncomfortable if a band gushed over a candidate (regardless of my political opinions) but if they just mentioned something out there I wouldn't mind.

Of course outside of a live concert they could gush to their heart's content, that's all them.

Now, that is a well thought out response. I don't know what anyone could add to shed more light on the subject. Even Mr(s?) Spray. I think his addition was overkill.

I dislike it for many reasons. I find it annoying when someone thinks that they're ability in one sphere (making music) can seamlessly transfer to another (whether it's politics, directing a film, writing a novel or whatever - you can probably guess that I'm not a fan of Henry Rollins); the inappropriateness of it all (what has politics got to do with music?), and the arrogance of it (I read the newspapers myself... why should they dictate what I think by shouting a meaningless soundbyte?). I like to listen to music on its own terms, outside of everything else, without it being part of an associated lifestyle that must be followed.

I think it's really dangerous. given the influence artists have over people it'd become some sort of campaign.
I believe musicians and artists in general have the right to express themselves in any way they want, but when you know you've got a hundred kids in the front row, and that they're not gonna double-think it...

having 'make trade fair' or 'stop global warming' flyers around the stage is one thing, making a concert in a '''vote for whoever it is''' is another thing. quite ridiculous and maybe a *little bit* of disrespect towards the audience who are there to share a music-al moment in history and have a good time.

im not saying they should not express what they think about the elections. or whatever...as long as they let it clear that its just their opinion.
what a topic.

I even dislike bands who support things like 'Make Trade Fair' or 'Rock Against Racism'... I don't know what it is; perhaps it's the preachy-ness, perhaps it's the 'millionaires putting the onus on the general public'-thing (Band Aid-syndrome) and sometimes it's because I understand (though not agree) why someone may consider voting BNP, etc, so I find their empty sloganeering a bit patronising and simplistic. Or perhaps it's because I really should be less cynical.

That's rather condescendingly unfair to assume.

But the idea that one's political philosophy and one's art are entirely separate is just wrong. Look at the paintings of Frida Kahlo or Diego Rivera. Those paintings often have elements of socialist thought within them yet I'm no Socialist but I love their work and so do most art historians.

How can you ask an artist to express themselves but not their politics because its "propaganda" and you don't agree with it? What next, censor themselves of cursing because little children might hear it? How compromised by political correctness are you will to demand?

i like bands that endorse racism

If Sonic Youth told me to jump off a cliff, I probably would.

So it's a good thing all they ever tell me to do is vote against assholes who want to take our civil liberties away and drag our country into wars that serve no purpose but to drive up the price of oil and keep the defense contractors happy.

Whew.

I think all of my punk albums are hurting my sensitive, vacuum-sealed ideology by telling me they want to burn down the white house. WHAAAA.

I don´t mind, as long as i agree with them, and keep it short. There are a lot of ignorant people out there, so if some bands feel the need to enlighten them, why not.
BUT; It sucks when bands talk for hours between songs, or start preaching in bonoesque proportions

I think trying to expect anyone with a mic to shut up about their opinions on anything just because you might disagree with it is ignorant.

I know if I had I mic, I would say what I think.

Oh wow, I wish cantankerous was here for this thread.

let me rephrase. I don´t expect anyone I don´t agree with me to shut up, I´m just saying it would probably ruin a good concert if the band startet ranting about say prowar or something like that

As a genral rule; go ahead, say what you need to say (but don´t overdo it, after all we´re here to hear music) ;)

i like the preachyness about a social subject or injustice. i fully support it. as long as they're doing it with 100 percent heart. i guess that's why i like the anarcho punk and riot grrl movements and fugazi. i'll just say i like the ideas of punk rock more than the music (and i love the music).

As long as it isn't Bono, I don't really care.

i don't pay attention to u2 (or really anything that covers u2) so i have no idea what he really talks about or does.