The Boss says: “I don’t think John Kerry and John Edwards have all the answers. I do believe they are sincerely interested in asking the right questions and working their way toward honest solutions. They understand that we need an administration that places a priority on fairness, curiosity, openness, humility, concern for all America’s citizens, courage and faith.
People have different notions of these values, and they live them out in different ways. I’ve tried to sing about some of them in my songs. But I have my own ideas about what they mean, too. That is why I plan to join with many fellow artists, including the Dave Matthews Band, Pearl Jam, R.E.M., the Dixie Chicks, Jurassic 5, James Taylor and Jackson Browne, in touring the country this October. We will be performing under the umbrella of a new group called Vote for Change. Our goal is to change the direction of the government and change the current administration come November.”
Hey Bruce, Shut Up And Sing!
See also Q&A for Bruce Springsteen.
{ 17 comments }
What! Nothing on the Redskins? 1-0 going into this weekends game with the Panthers.
Ken, until the real season starts, I’m sitting this one out. Besides, aren’t the Redskins pro-Kerry???
how about – hey Bruce, shut up, and SHUT UP!
I am(was) a HUGE fan of The Boss. I grew up listening to Born In The USA, Born to Run, and my favorite I’m On Fire, etc. He was the BOSS. I like the man, his songs, and his E Street Band. But not anymore. I still like some of his songs, but not so much the man anymore. Least of all his political views and stance. I’m so diappointed that he turned out to be just another sheepish liberal entertainer in line with 90% of all entertainers and artists in the western world. I shouldn’t be surprised. I will not buy his music and will disavow his as “my” Boss. I might be a bit extreme, but I’ve made a choice. As Chris McEvoy at NRO writes (http://www.nationalreview.com/mcevoy/mcevoy200408090832.asp) “You must now decide between the two.” It is sad that the political atmosphere has come down to this. Along with another band that I like, Pearl Jam, I will abandon all who associate with the present day liberal donks. With no regret.
Why couldn’t Bruce just shut up and sing. He wouldn’t have lost half of his fan base.
Hey, LaShawn! I totally agree!!!!! See this post from when I heard about Bruce and his gang’s tour: http://songstress7.typepad.com/beyond/2004/08/if_only_republi.html
The boss lost me with “I’m on fire”. Otherwise yea Bruce and friends Shut Up and sing.
GO RAVENS!
{Ooops – POOF}
I am appalled at how these musicians are cheapening music. Music is a universal language and they are giving a concert that says “liberals only”. Music used to be for everyone, but not in their case.
BTW, I think the Houston Texans are going to go all the way this year. YEAH!
Gotta disagree with ya on this one, La Shawn. As annoying as they can be, Bruce Springsteen and his liberal pals have the right to speak their mind. I don’t believe that they must “shut up and sing.” If they want to use the stage to make rants, that’s their right. However, I do have the right to not buy their music, concert tickets, and walk out on their ass if I disagree with what they say. And yes, private entities (a la the recent Linda Ronstadt concert) have a right to not book them again as musical acts.
Molotov- The post was meant to be humorous. Of course they have a right to speak, and I’m the last person that would try to take that right away.
Yeah, those artists have a right to freely express themselves, however, owning the microphone and limiting access to mass media only for themselves is fascistic.
Can’t have freedom of expression when a select group controls the microphone and by supporting them one is powering their monolithic power.
Bruce’s ownership of the microphone is a luxury we “the People” cannot afford to give him.
Extremely good point, Syn! Michael Moore, Sean Penn, Tim Robins, Bruce Springsteen, REM, Moby, etc. all have the power (and control) of the microphone, stage, camera, and publicity. What is that equal to? A heck of a louder voice. Do we average American citizens have that? No. And for them to use that for political purpose (specifically for the liberals) is WRONG. And when something like the Swift Boat Vets for Truth come up with an ad and a book against a lame liberal like Kerry, they suddenly raise hell. What friggin hypocrits! Syn has my vote for the most intelligent comment for this blog piece of La Shawn’s.
They should be honest, and call it the “Screech for Socialism” tour!
Oh no. It seems musicians are no longer entitled to political opinions. I wonder how many people would brown nose him if he gave Bush lavish praise.
Just wrote about how disappointed I am that James Taylor had joined this group, did a search on ’shut up and sing’ and found my way over here.
I agree completely that musicians/actors can dominate media in a way that gives them unfair influence in political affairs, of which, by the way, many of them seem to know little about.
They are paid to sing, not to alter the political structure of the country.
I’ve been a fan of JT’s since the mid 70s, buying his records, attending concerts and such, and now I just can’t stand the thought of giving him money/power by attending his shows anymore.
It’s too bad, as I was hoping to introduce my kids to his music, and now they will never have that opportunity. I feel like I have lost a friend.
pais de fachas de mierda,no sois lo gendarmes del mundo ,por eso os odian tanto,por ser la primera dictadura encubierta del mundo,arriba la revolucion¡¡¡¡
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