Politics and Music

[JrMonarchs AAA]

You go to see one of your favorite bands... 60 minute set and they spend a few minutes in between songs to talk about their political views and who you should vote for... AND, their views are not your own. (ok, maybe they could be the same as yours), but do you care to hear about what their views are, or do you think this isn't the correct forum and just want them to shut up and play?

Bonnie doesn't count, you know what you're in for when you go to see her. She's active in many things and you expect to get a dissertation...

 

[magnus]

Can't stand it. Just play. Now, if it's a rally or something, sure. What was this happening at? Who?

 

[lex]

You go to see one of your favorite bands... 60 minute set and they spend a few minutes in between songs to talk about their political views and who you should vote for... AND, their views are not your own. (ok, maybe they could be the same as yours), but do you care to hear about what their views are, or do you think this isn't the correct forum and just want them to shut up and play?

Bonnie doesn't count, you know what you're in for when you go to see her. She's active in many things and you expect to get a dissertation...

nope, i dont care to listen to their politics. sure if it is some sort of charity for kids or to save the earth, etc. but govt. politics, (or religion for that matter) hell no. play or sing, but get out of my face about that other stuff.

 

[jazzbluescat]

I don't care for performers' mixing politics and music either. Didn't particularly care for it back in the 60s even, when the performers were saying what was popular/folks wanted to hear.
My reasoning goes much deeper than that. I've always favored instrumental music over music w/lyrics. Because words can get "bent out of shape," so to speak, can mean something that only the performer and a small group understands (inside type stuff), or mean anything you want them to mean...nothing. So, why bother with words in music(?). There's a lot less bullshit in instrumental music, much harder to jive/bs. And, it's more difficult and more of a challenge to entertain/to capture an audience sans words, IMO.

 

[Thelt]

It usually gives me the impression that the artist does not really care about his audience. He/She is willing to alienate a portion of it with his politics. I think anyone who is rich and famous because of his/her fans should appreciate them enough to not want to alienate a portion of them.

 

[kshead]

I find it a little hard to believe that someone could be a fan enough of a musician to buy a ticket to a show yet not know enough about the artist to be shocked by their politics.

But if it does happen? Get a beer, take a piss, have a smoke - whatever. Then go back to the show.

 

[Thelt]

I like a lot of acts who have politics I disagree with. There is a certain amount of that that I will tolerate. I have a line that they can cross though that will make me stop liking them.

If Bon Jovi holds a concert for Kerry that is ok with me. If the Dixie Chicks run down the president in a foriegn land while we are in the midst of an invasion, that is not ok. When I feel they are being unpatriotic that is when I draw the line.

 

[JrMonarchs AAA]

Can't stand it. Just play. Now, if it's a rally or something, sure. What was this happening at? Who?

Sorry Magnus... just got back to this one.

It was Ozzy.

1) I came to hear you play
2) Aside from the lyrics, which I already know, your speech is incomprehensible
3) You're not a US citizen, so shut up about our country and who you'd like in office. You can't vote here and if you don't like it, GO HOME.

 

[lex]

the smart musicians know better than to shove their politics up your face during a gig. could be they simply know better or their PR staff offer them good advise.

some musicians i could care less about their politics. when i love thier music, i am going period.

 

[Powerbait]

Mostly, it depends on where I'm going and who I'm going to see.

I go to a lot of punk rock shows, and if the band is politically charged, I expect to hear some preaching. Honestly, I think a lot of people go to shows not really paying attention to what the band says and does, and they get pissed off when someone stands up there and spouts out their beliefs. I know plenty of people who have walked blindly into straight edge shows (which is not a good idea).

Granted, I would be pissed at an Ozzy show if he started preaching, but if I was at a Pearl Jam show, I would expect it. My problem are people in bands who talk just to hear themselves. I love banter during shows, but I hate people who dominate the show with talking. That goes for politics, diet, sex life, whatever.