Pearl Jam Cancels 4/20 Raleigh, NC Concert in Opposition to HB2; Official Band Statement

Ledbetterman10

PJ_Soul said:

But art that is political is political... a person consuming the art can't just decide that a political song isn't political because they don't want it to be. I know art is subjective, but there is a limit to that theory.
I can't beleive you can say that The Wall isn't a political album with a straight face. That's like saying Bu$hleaguer isn't political.

Well The Wall covers loads of topics. Politics is certainly one of them. Stardom, relationships, drugs, mental illness, and isolation are a couple others. To just say it's a political album is not giving it enough credit.

BS44325

North Carolina mourning period is over. Party starts back up again tonight.

BF25394

Ledbetterman10 said:

PJ_Soul said:

But art that is political is political... a person consuming the art can't just decide that a political song isn't political because they don't want it to be. I know art is subjective, but there is a limit to that theory.
I can't beleive you can say that The Wall isn't a political album with a straight face. That's like saying Bu$hleaguer isn't political.

Well The Wall covers loads of topics. Politics is certainly one of them. Stardom, relationships, drugs, mental illness, and isolation are a couple others. To just say it's a political album is not giving it enough credit.

I think you are using a definition of the word "political" that is too narrow. All of the things you list can be or have been political in the broader sense of being related to public affairs and matters of public debate and interest. Man is by nature a political animal, or at least so said some guy-- I think maybe it was Dave Abbruzzese.

bgirl59

JP Losman said:

If they truly believe in this cause, they will cancel MSG and Philly shows. There is not much of an economic hit by cancelling one PJ show in Raleigh, but the NBA all star game is BIG business. MSG and Philly both also are partners with the NBA, so by cancelling those shows, they are putting pressure on the NBA to go through with moving the All star game instead of just threats. If PJ truly is committed to making a difference and wants a good conscience, then they should do that.

But they won't. Because they aren't really doing this for the cause but for their image. And its not a debate or an opinion that they are hypocrites. Its a fact. Because you play in cities and states and countries with bad laws too but don't boycott, it makes you a hypocrite. Because you aren't going full out and doing everything within your power to overturn HB2 which could be helped by things like cancelling MSG and Philly, you are a hypocrite.

Now you can say its not a big deal and they can choose their battles and I agree with that. Doesn't change the fact they are hypocrites.

FYI Tenclubbers: This post is nothing more that a "Stir The Pot" post, no pun intended on 4/20.....Pearl Jam is not motivated by their so-called IMAGE- how soon we forget when something doesn't go our way. Please calm down, angry person. Let's be grateful we are free to voice our opinions no matter how unpopular they may be.

Merkin Baller said:

JP Losman said:

If they truly believe in this cause, they will cancel MSG and Philly shows. There is not much of an economic hit by cancelling one PJ show in Raleigh, but the NBA all star game is BIG business. MSG and Philly both also are partners with the NBA, so by cancelling those shows, they are putting pressure on the NBA to go through with moving the All star game instead of just threats. If PJ truly is committed to making a difference and wants a good conscience, then they should do that.

But they won't. Because they aren't really doing this for the cause but for their image. And its not a debate or an opinion that they are hypocrites. Its a fact. Because you play in cities and states and countries with bad laws too but don't boycott, it makes you a hypocrite. Because you aren't going full out and doing everything within your power to overturn HB2 which could be helped by things like cancelling MSG and Philly, you are a hypocrite.

Now you can say its not a big deal and they can choose their battles and I agree with that. Doesn't change the fact they are hypocrites.

Good call, they should cancel the whole tour. Show America you're serious.

It's only a few concerts.

It's only money.

Who's a hyporcrite? Grr be mean and hateful to everyone because a your show got canceled

breakmarysfall said:

KN88208 said:

I won GA lottery tickets for the 4/20 show. Like many others, I was devastated when I received the cancellation email on Monday.

As a happy, successful man, PJ has been an intricate part of my life for 25 years. Their music is poetic, and their shows are therapeutic. Because of PJ, I've developed global friendships and attended shows all over the country. Without PJ, I would not be the friend, husband, son etc. I am today. They offer hope and excitement, among many other things.

This band was put on earth for a reason... For the greater good of many lives...

PJ didn't cancel 4/20 because of me or the other 20 thousand fans. They canceled the show on the state of NC due to their despicable, discriminatory laws.

Forever grateful fan,
See you in Columbia!

I double that ... great wording and a perfect sumup, reflecting also my point of view on this wonderful band

thanks alot!

Bump

Merkin Baller

I didn't have a ticket to the show bgirl, I just happen to think it was real shitty of them to cancel two days in advance.

Does that make me a hypocrite?


Edit: & if I did have a ticket to this show, what have I said that's hypocritical?

18th Pale Descendant

People are crushed by this. This show (and all shows) are cherished by people and they anticipate and plan the show for months and months. They get an emotional high and a level of excitement when they get their tickets whether through the lotto or general sale.

I had April 20 circled on my calendar since last December, when the tour news began to leak. I eagerly entered the ticket lottery in January—and won. My first GA pit tickets! Fast forward to this week . . . My wife and I were game-planning for the Wednesday show on Monday night as we walked. That's when the cancellation notice hit my inbox. "Motherfucker," I said.

I would have been happy to travel to Hampton, Va., to see Pearl Jam if they wanted to avoid N.C. My home state has a, frankly, embarrassing track record for civil rights. Google "North Carolina" and "Amendment One" and "2012" if interested. But the band played Charlotte in 2013 and were apparently willing to play the decidedly red state of N.C. again in 2016. Then Gov. McCrory, whom I voted against before and will do so again in November, and his merry band struck!

Then the Bruce thing. People got worried, but I think the general fear was lifted because we didn't think that Pearl Jam would do their fans like that (please spare me the theory that the band has 'no idea' that people travel to their shows). Then this news was blind-siding two days before the show.

Some day we may know exactly what transpired in the Pearl Jam camp between April 8, when Springsteen cancelled, and April 18, when Pearl Jam pulled the plug on Raleigh. For 10 days, loyal fans twisted in the wind, half-expecting the cancellation but paralyzed by, you know, real-life concerns such as work obligations and lining up babysitters. Also, I foolishly believed the band was too fan-forward, even with the Springsteen precedent, to pull such a stunt.

I probably would have taken worse seats in Va. to see the band on tour in the southeast. Despite the recent memory of the 2013 and 2016 tours, they really don't come this way often.

18th Pale Descendant

I will forever love their music. I doubt I will cancel my tenclub as I've invested 16 years of it even though its harder and harder for me to see them . . . My wife has dedicated her life and career to fighting social injustice in NC. I am involved too and make many sacrifices. Don't cheapen our efforts by pretending you care as much and that you truly thought this was the best way to make a difference.

This comment should not pass without mention. Well said. Thank you for fighting to improve the quality of life in North Carolina.

PJ_Soul

Ledbetterman10 said:

PJ_Soul said:

But art that is political is political... a person consuming the art can't just decide that a political song isn't political because they don't want it to be. I know art is subjective, but there is a limit to that theory.
I can't beleive you can say that The Wall isn't a political album with a straight face. That's like saying Bu$hleaguer isn't political.

Well The Wall covers loads of topics. Politics is certainly one of them. Stardom, relationships, drugs, mental illness, and isolation are a couple others. To just say it's a political album is not giving it enough credit.

I agree it's a lot of things, but you still can't say it's not a political album just because there is also other stuff on there. The album is called The Wall.

JP Losman

I checked into periscope to see what Eddie would say...his explanation for Raleigh was horrible. His explanation for the timing of it was worse. He basically said they had no choice for both of them (even though there are tons of other artists making a different choice). Then he mentioned a bad south carolina law. It wasn't very coherent. I think they didn't expect nearly the backlash that they got from the progressive community fighting this in NC. I still don't know of any LGBTQ groups here that have had direct contact with the band or representatives afterwards besides one person who was working hard to convince the band to play by her own volition.

Ledbetterman10

PJ_Soul said:

Ledbetterman10 said:

PJ_Soul said:

But art that is political is political... a person consuming the art can't just decide that a political song isn't political because they don't want it to be. I know art is subjective, but there is a limit to that theory.
I can't beleive you can say that The Wall isn't a political album with a straight face. That's like saying Bu$hleaguer isn't political.

Well The Wall covers loads of topics. Politics is certainly one of them. Stardom, relationships, drugs, mental illness, and isolation are a couple others. To just say it's a political album is not giving it enough credit.

I agree it's a lot of things, but you still can't say it's not a political album just because there is also other stuff on there. The album is called The Wall.

BF25394 said:

Ledbetterman10 said:

PJ_Soul said:

But art that is political is political... a person consuming the art can't just decide that a political song isn't political because they don't want it to be. I know art is subjective, but there is a limit to that theory.
I can't beleive you can say that The Wall isn't a political album with a straight face. That's like saying Bu$hleaguer isn't political.

Well The Wall covers loads of topics. Politics is certainly one of them. Stardom, relationships, drugs, mental illness, and isolation are a couple others. To just say it's a political album is not giving it enough credit.

I think you are using a definition of the word "political" that is too narrow. All of the things you list can be or have been political in the broader sense of being related to public affairs and matters of public debate and interest. Man is by nature a political animal, or at least so said some guy-- I think maybe it was Dave Abbruzzese.

Well I guess it's obvious that my definition is the word is narrower than yours or PJ Soul's (and most people around here). Like PJ Soul says above that it's called "The Wall" so therefore it's political. I mean...I dunno. I understand there was a Berlin Wall and a political issue at the time and that Roger Waters performed the work there ten years later. But...the album is mainly about a metaphoric wall that someone builds to shield themselves from (insert: whatever you'd want to shield yourself from here). And sure it can have two meanings. And I'd wager a guess that Roger Waters intended it to have multiple meanings. But PJ Soul said "you still can't say it's not a political album just because there is also other stuff on there." Well sure I could. I could call it a Psychology album if I want to. By your his logic, The Eminem Show is a political album.

Like you said, I do have a very narrow definition of the word "political". For example, a few days ago, while PJ and their so-called politics were being discussed ad nauseam, someone pointed out that "they've always been political" and cited Eddie writing "pro-choice" on his arm during the MTV Unplugged performance as an early example. To me, that isn't political. It's just a guy writing on his arm with a marker. That's in spite of the fact that Pro-Choice vs. Pro-Life is very much an issue of political contention. But writing it on your arm, or wearing a "No Bush" T-shirt on SNL doesn't really comment on anything. He's pro-choice. Okay. He doesn't like George Bush. So these are your views...but what else? Writing songs like Bushleaguer or World Wide Suicide actually state views and elaborate or comment on them. I guess that's what I'd consider political. Not that any of this matters.

JP Losman

Oh and I didn't hear it but read that he made comments last night about greedy corporations and that the world is getting warmer. ...well playing Jazzfest whose sponsor is Shell Oil is taking money from the exact people and organizations you are spewing against. But don't worry PJ, because you have a great image now from cancelling NC and can sleep better at night.

Walking the miles

I'm proud of the band. I was proud to tell my young daughter, who at fourteen, a year ago, started a LGBTQ group at her grade school, the year she was graduating. She wanted to start something there before she left, so others after her would have support. She fought to have a pride flag flown at the school last year, and got it. She was ridiculed for it, but then still she stood up for a teacher who was also being ridiculed by a student for supporting the group.
This is not about some law that is going to be repealed in a weeks time. This is about winning a war on civil rights! This is but one battle, but one that needs to be fought. To win a war, you need to start a wave of momentum. A series of battles. Minds need to be changed. It does not happen overnight, or in a month. it happens over time.
So, to the point that one cancellation means nothing, or little, I'll add an article I read this morning, on hockey of all things:

http://www.tsn.ca/talent/players-have-power-to-turn-shaw-incident-into-a-positive-1.475276

You may, or may not have heard about the NHL slur incident the other night, but in the article it references the band cancellations. It adds to the discussion. It further puts it out there that the rights of the LGBTQ community are to be protected. It becomes part of the wave of changing peoples minds.

So yeah, I was proud to tell my daughter, that dad's favourite band stood up for her, and got in-line to be counted. But I expected nothing less from this band, that has time and again, stood up for others.

ski4

shecky said:

scornlander said:

BF25394 said:

Finally, to the poster who said he likes the band for its music, not its politics: they are inseparable.

I disagree with this. I love their music but disagree with a lot of their political views.

+1

+1

Jason P

Was this bathroom bill even a topic in the last election cycle?

JP Losman

Jason P said:

Was this bathroom bill even a topic in the last election cycle?

Nope. We didn't vote on it. In fact, most people in the areas affected by these economic hits (charlotte, greensboro, the triangle) have been very against it from the start.

Jason P

JP Losman said:

Jason P said:

Was this bathroom bill even a topic in the last election cycle?

Nope. We didn't vote on it. In fact, most people in the areas affected by these economic hits (charlotte, greensboro, the triangle) have been very against it from the start.

This is all crazy then. A chance for the ultra left and ultra right to sanctimoniously fall on their swords while the majority are walking around confused by what is going on.

farfromglorified

Jason P said:

JP Losman said:

Jason P said:

Was this bathroom bill even a topic in the last election cycle?

Nope. We didn't vote on it. In fact, most people in the areas affected by these economic hits (charlotte, greensboro, the triangle) have been very against it from the start.

This is all crazy then. A chance for the ultra left and ultra right to sanctimoniously fall on their swords while the majority are walking around confused by what is going on.

This is a very apt description. The underlying issues around discrimination are very important, but both sides of the political spectrum here are going crazy, mostly over hypotheticals. This should not be read as support of the law or moral equivalence between the right and left on this issue, but the level of hysteria here is actually preventing reasoned discussion with average voters.

jeffwalsh

JP Losman said:

His explanation for the timing of it was worse. He basically said they had no choice for both of them (even though there are tons of other artists making a different choice).

How does artists choosing differently mean PJ saw that as a viable option for them? I'm vegan, so often times when I go out to eat with people, I have one or two choices, and they have 14. By your logic, my friends should think that I have 14 meal options, too, just because they do?

farfromglorified

jeffwalsh said:

JP Losman said:

His explanation for the timing of it was worse. He basically said they had no choice for both of them (even though there are tons of other artists making a different choice).

How does artists choosing differently mean PJ saw that as a viable option for them? I'm vegan, so often times when I go out to eat with people, I have one or two choices, and they have 14. By your logic, my friends should think that I have 14 meal options, too, just because they do?

Ummm...this is kind of a pointless argument, but you do have 14 meal options in the situation you describe.

Kimba13

Anyone know when we will at least get our ticket refund?