Rockers play for change (WASHED-UP LEFTY POP "STAR" ALERT)

Chicago Sun-Times ^ | August 5, 2004 | JIM DEROGATIS Pop Music Critic

[Chi-townChief]

They should call it the "Buffoons with Guitars Tour." Do you think a jackass like Springsteen is able to put together a complete sentence that doesn't rhyme?

[sandbar]

>With a fervor that hasn't been witnessed since musicians in >the late '60s

Did this person sleep through the whole musician/Ethiopia thing?

[sandbar]

>With a fervor that hasn't been witnessed since musicians in >the late '60s

Did this person sleep through the whole musician/Ethiopia thing?

[FITZ]

But the artists participating in the Vote for Change tour say they aren't concerned about a backlash.

I can see why they aren't. All the ones mentioned that I've heard of are known ultra-leftists anyhow and most of the ones mentioned are groups I've never heard of.

[BenLurkin]

W has a present for these clowns as soon as they turn around:

[mrsmith]

"the Vote for Change Chains tour "

So long Bruce, enjoy playing for all your friends in the Titanic's Fiesta Lounge.

[vpintheak]

Bunch of rat bastards, every single one of them. And I don't mean dimrat either.

[Major Matt Mason]

They'll be singing to the choir, as well as many die-hard fans who will just attend the shows to say they were there. Personally, I can't wait for some of the bulletin board fodder that will come out of these shows.

[Free ThinkerNY]

Bush to Pigsteen and friends: "Take this cob and shove it!"

[Clemenza]

Springsteen is the guy who had the nerve to rhyme "growing up" and "throwing up."

[BenLurkin]

Excellent.

[SteveH]

I have seen the media comment that Bush does not have any rock-and-roll bands signed up to back him, at least so far.

I have to wonder a bit about that. I know there are some conservative rock and roll bands out there (although not very many). I also speculate that there would be many country stars willing to go on tour for Bush if the opportunity presented itself. So I wonder if the Bush campaign strategy is to hold back deliberately until later in the campaign season before putting together their own pro-Bush band tour.

[GeorgiaYankee]

Even the AOL polls are leaning strongly to Bush!!!


What do you think of the Vote for Change tour?

Can't they just stick to the music? 52%

It's good to see artists engaged politically 30%

They have a right to speak out, but part of it bugs me 18%

Do you think it will affect the election?
No 67%
Yes 33%
Total Votes: 190,793

Quotes from members (I picked the pro-Bush ones)
"Just play your music and shut your trap."

"I wasn't sure how I was going to vote, but with the media and Hollywood... now I find myself in sympathy for Bush."

"The Boss says, 'We're chipping in our two cents.' He can chip his two cents, but he won't get my $17.99 anymore."

AOL Straw Poll
Electoral votes Bush 391 Kerry 147

Popular vote Bush 53% Kerry 45% Nader 2%

[ZOOKER]

Pretty sneaky.

Not only do the rockers make the news with this announcement, the media will have to report on it again when they hold the concerts. I suppose some cable network (HBO most likely) will record and rebroadcast the concerts as "specials".

That's three hits on American voters and the DNC doesn't have to pay a dime. Kerry can say it's "entertainment", not political speech, so the CFR rules don't apply.

It's sad when you have to say goodbye to good music because of the singer's political leanings. I was a fan of Fogarty since CCR, but no more.

I'm no fan of McCain-Feingold either, but I'm hoping some judge takes a hard line with these concerts. Here's an idea for you:
Add up the total gate receipts and calculate how much each singer is "donating" by the minute to the DNC cause.

"Okay Bruce, sing away, but after 2 1/2 minutes you can be busted for illegal campaign contributions."

"What, you already gave your limit in cash? Then you can't perform at all!"

[NYCVirago]

Added Springsteen: "It's a pretty clear-cut decision in November. We're chipping in our two cents. That's all we're trying to do."

Of course, their "two cents" is worth a lot more than Joe Voter -- these "artists" two cents buys millions of dollars worth in free publicity for the RATs.

[NYCVirago]

have seen the media comment that Bush does not have any rock-and-roll bands signed up to back him, at least so far. I have to wonder a bit about that.

He may not have Springsteen, but Bush has A-Rod behind him, and that's good enough for me!

[Awestruck]

I'll be watching gleefully as these commies ace themselves out of even more fans and money. I've never heard of fans asking for more political education in their concerts, it's like the entertainers are deaf to the wants of the fans. How many people have to come out and say "shut up and sing"?

[Awestruck]

At least we've got Ted and Alice.... who needs these other schmucks?

[gonzo]

"...Superstars from several diverse genres in rock and country -- among them Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews, R.E.M., Pearl Jam and the Dixie Chicks -..."

I remember a guy named Springsteen from about 40 years ago who yelled alot, but couldn't sing, and some Ditsy-Tricks who were doin' some 'unspeakable-things' in Europe a while ago (something about vegetable oil and a monkey or squirrel), but who-the-hell is REMPEARLJAM? That even sounds illegal!

And I thought Dave Matthews was some newsreader-guy on the DYING network.

I gotta get out more often, but first, I'll play some Ray Charles. I like real music...............FRegards

[Travis McGee]

Vote for Change is being sponsored by the political action committee MoveOn.Org.

GEORGE SOROS