The Rolling Stone is Fake News
Posted on 12/23/2016 6:03:16 PM PST by drewh
Weeks before Donald Trump's presidential inauguration, the subject of securing performances has been contentious. Last night, the president-elect weighed in on the debacle (on Twitter, naturally), saying in his inimitable way that he didn't need "so-called 'A' list celebrities." "I want the PEOPLE!" he tweeted. But according to top music managers, Trump's team has been hustling to secure a high calibre of talent and star-power for the event nonetheless.
"We've gotten calls that almost sound a little bit desperate: 'Does anybody want to perform?'" says Ken Levitan, a top music manager who represents liberal and conservative artists including Kings of Leon, Hank Williams Jr., Lynyrd Skynyrd and Emmylou Harris. "At this point, we haven't had anybody that has any desire to perform at the inauguration. "Even if you're a Trump supporter, you've got to look at how he plays the media [and] the public, in terms of how he attacks and twists things around. I've got to think there's a fear of talking about things and working with him," Levitan continues. "I do know some of the very conservative [artists] have no desire to do it. ... [They] just don't want to be involved in the circus — it's a media circus, and not necessarily in a good way."
Elton John, Garth Brooks and Celine Dion have reportedly turned down offers. Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli was allegedly turned down by Trump, according to inaugural committee chairman Thomas J. Barrack, Jr. And most recently, The Beach Boys, who've performed at events for Presidents Reagan, Clinton and George H.W. Bush, have said they're considering an invitation to perform at an inauguration event, according to a representative for the band. So far, the confirmed inauguration performers include the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Radio City Rockettes and 16-year-old singer Jackie Evancho. "They want to be cool and they want to be hip, but the problem is, they're not, and no one's going to go along with the charade," says Simon Renshaw, a Trump opponent who manages the liberal Dixie Chicks. "And the stuff they could get, they're looking at it and going, 'We're going to have Ted Nugent and Kid Rock — oh my God, that doesn't look like an inauguration, that's going to look like a bar-room redneck brawl.'" Nugent and Rock, both of whom supported Trump during the election campaign, are rumored performers at the inauguration, but Rock's manager wouldn't comment and Nugent reps did not respond to calls and e-mails.
Other Trump-friendly artists, including Kiss' Gene Simmons and country legend Loretta Lynn, also did not respond. Lee Greenwood, who has sung his signature hit "God Bless the USA" on stage with five presidents, changed the subject in a brief phone call: "The information that you requested about me being at Trump's inauguration is not confirmed yet," he said. "I'm sure we'll know shortly." Some smaller artists have half-jokingly suggested they'd perform for the right price. Matt Healy, singer for rock band The 1975, told the BBC: "I'll do it if they give me cash up front. ... What do I want? Well, he's got gold seatbelts in his plane—so at least a million quid." Others have tried to draw invitations in exchange for political statements. In a statement to Rolling Stone, former Sam and Dave singer Sam Moore, who appeared at an Obama ball in 2009, said he would perform in exchange for explaining to Trump that artists need more fair radio royalty rates. "If I could get him to listen to me, it would be worth all the hell I might be subject to for agreeing to performing," Moore said.
Numerous top music-business sources denied reports that Trump's administration was offering ambassadorships to potential inauguration performers or their representatives. The president-elect's inauguration reps did not respond to requests for comment, although Charles Koppelman, a veteran record exec who is co-managing Prince's music, defended the incoming administration. "I would not think it would be difficult at all to get performers," says the Trump supporter. "When the president asks, you usually show up." "At the end of the day, almost 50 percent of the country voted for the guy. I have artists who were pro-Trump — none of them have been called," says Allen Kovac, manager of Motley Crue, whose singer Vince Neil was "uninvited" to perform. "Musicians tend to be more liberal than the rest of the public — if you're black, or a woman, or Hispanic, you may have a point of view that makes you feel uncomfortable [after] a very contentious race for president."
who?
oh the magazine the was sued and lost because of a fake rape story.got it.
We wear their scorn as a badge of honor. Let’s hear it for the USMA Glee Club.
Spineless cowards.
Once again, I’ll wait and see.
There have been so many false media reports over the last 18 months.
My suspicion is that there will be plenty of talent on hand the night of the inauguration.
If that were not to be the case, it would say a lot more about the performing artists than Trump.
I pray that We The People boycott these gutless entertainment vermin!
We are the half of America more financially able to buy their music. Just don’t buy it any more.
Couldn’t he just make that request now? I’m really surprised Garth Brooks found some way to say no. The Beach Boys are dragging their feet, so I expect they too will chicken out.
I’ll bet the original lead and songwriter Brian Wilson would say yes, but he doesn’t have a lot of clout in that group ofn elders anymore. Too many nervous breakdowns broke his authority. Mike Love thinks it’s all about him now. NOT.
SUGGESTION TO THE TRUMP CAMP
Have tryouts on RIGHT SIDE NETWORK and let “We the People” vote on who we want to perform on Inauguration Day.
Big and Rich are in, we know that. Im not forgetting all of the down home ‘country’ artists who are silent because they have box sets out at target right now that they need to sell desperately... cough GARTH BROOOKS
There’s a LOT of GOOD talent among the non-stars. Time to “Apprentice’’ some of them!
I have an idea of where some of this is coming from...sadly. There were some little girls who performed during one of the rallys who DID NOT GET PAID, and they expected to.
It was all over the news..
AS far as I’m concerned....lack of respect for the office of the President of the United States began with slick Willy.
If I were an entertainer, and I were asked, I’d be there as a matter of honor. But today, there is no honor. Just “Me-ism”.
Just have the Trump University Marching Band play and be done with it.
Country artists are the biggest musicians in the US. Country is the biggest selling music.
Who gives a broken sh_t about who performs at Trump’s inauguration? It’s not like it’s a party; it’s a formal, political event. Believe me, there will be parties aplenty outside of Washington, and a lot besides.
Yes, and some Christian artists. Would love Chris Tomlin to come and sing, “How Great is Our God.”
That would really make the dems tremble in fear. Boogedy boogedy.
With those entertainers that support him, this article is off the mark saying they are worried about what Trump might say or do. I am sure the truth is they are concerned what the crazy left will do. The radical left groups have shown they are violent, disruptive, and dangerous. The problem is instead of stopping them from creating chaos, closing down roads, killing police officers, and assaulting people the Dim leadership all the way to the top has been encouraging them and cheering them on. I am sure those groups know as soon as O is gone their day of chaos are numbered so that may drive them to special stupidity. The fact that Obama is still President right up to the swearing in of Trump means those that will get crazy will believe nothing will be done to them, whether that turns out to be true or not.
I have to say I would have to think twice about going, and would really think hard about being high profile like performers will have to be.
I hear ya...
One good thing about all this - the economy is so good for all these leftist klowns that they can afford to turn away work? I guess we can turn off the spigot at the national endowment for the arts.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.