Honest question

Vedd Hedd

I enjoy his comments. I think people forget that every singer sort of takes a few minutes each show to address the crowd at various times, and give the bandmates a quick break.  As for content, I usually enjoy what he has to say.  

southernmanfan

JH6056 said:

Personally, yes, I like it A LOT. The energy and the passion is powerful, and for me it reminds me that this band doesn't only make music (recorded and live) that feeds my soul and helps with my sanity, they also have specific real-life, current examples of how their music holds a mirror up to the current world.

I understand that not everyone in the audience shares the political views, and even some who do don't really want to hear political commentary.

But you know what? That has ALWAYS BEEN who this band is.  They have ALWAYS been brave and outspoken, and more importantly they've realized from early on that they have a platform and that they can and should use it to boost the messaging that they feel is important. And it has a measurable impact! There are so many who are turned into issues they may not have thought about, or learn about opportunities to act they didn't know about.  It's important and it works.

So even though some may not like it, it's who they've always been so I never understand people who complain as if they shouldn't do it.  By now if your'e a PJ fan, you know it's likely to happen at some point during a show, so being shocked or offended is bizarre and unrealistic.  

Couldn’t agree more👍

southernmanfan

GTFLYGIRL said:

Doesnt bother me.. at all. Actually, i can say, that i rather enjoy it!!

I do too. It’s also the reason I love them more! 

BF25394

I'm an independent but I am generally sympathetic to his/the band's political point of view on the key issues he tends to talk about (guns, environment, abortion) and have likely voted for the same candidates they tend to support (Biden and Obama but not Nader or Sanders). 

I also think that it would make no sense for an artist whose art expresses political points of view to be expected to remain silent about political matters, and anyone who expects silence after a 30-year track record of speaking out is being unrealistic and ought to realize that it comes with the territory.

I also have noticed that, with very few exceptions, when people complain about musicians expressing political opinions, the issue is generally that the musicians express opinions that they disagree with, not that they express opinions per se.  This kind of hypocrisy is aggravating.

Having said that, I don't think Ed is necessarily the best spokesperson all of the time and that can make the mid-show speeches somewhat grating.  The speeches can be rambling, vulgar and needlessly divisive.  I do think he did a much better job on the recent U.S. tour when he decided to address issues.  I think his speeches were more concise, pointed, appropriately emotional and less divisive than they have sometimes been in the past.

My biggest concern with political speech by celebrities is that it is often counterproductive (i.e., it preaches and virtue-signals to the choir without converting anyone, while alienating less engaged people who might be persuadable).  It's also red meat in a culture war that certain people in this country are eager to exploit, inflame and profit from.  I'd rather not feed the trolls.

smile6680

JH6056 said:

Personally, yes, I like it A LOT. The energy and the passion is powerful, and for me it reminds me that this band doesn't only make music (recorded and live) that feeds my soul and helps with my sanity, they also have specific real-life, current examples of how their music holds a mirror up to the current world.

I understand that not everyone in the audience shares the political views, and even some who do don't really want to hear political commentary.

But you know what? That has ALWAYS BEEN who this band is.  They have ALWAYS been brave and outspoken, and more importantly they've realized from early on that they have a platform and that they can and should use it to boost the messaging that they feel is important. And it has a measurable impact! There are so many who are turned into issues they may not have thought about, or learn about opportunities to act they didn't know about.  It's important and it works.

So even though some may not like it, it's who they've always been so I never understand people who complain as if they shouldn't do it.  By now if your'e a PJ fan, you know it's likely to happen at some point during a show, so being shocked or offended is bizarre and unrealistic.  

Good post. I can see that.

smile6680

BF25394 said:

I'm an independent but I am generally sympathetic to his/the band's political point of view on the key issues he tends to talk about (guns, environment, abortion) and have likely voted for the same candidates they tend to support (Biden and Obama but not Nader or Sanders). 

I also think that it would make no sense for an artist whose art expresses political points of view to be expected to remain silent about political matters, and anyone who expects silence after a 30-year track record of speaking out is being unrealistic and ought to realize that it comes with the territory.

I also have noticed that, with very few exceptions, when people complain about musicians expressing political opinions, the issue is generally that the musicians express opinions that they disagree with, not that they express opinions per se.  This kind of hypocrisy is aggravating.

Having said that, I don't think Ed is necessarily the best spokesperson all of the time and that can make the mid-show speeches somewhat grating.  The speeches can be rambling, vulgar and needlessly divisive.  I do think he did a much better job on the recent U.S. tour when he decided to address issues.  I think his speeches were more concise, pointed, appropriately emotional and less divisive than they have sometimes been in the past.

My biggest concern with political speech by celebrities is that it is often counterproductive (i.e., it preaches and virtue-signals to the choir without converting anyone, while alienating less engaged people who might be persuadable).  It's also red meat in a culture war that certain people in this country are eager to exploit, inflame and profit from.  I'd rather not feed the trolls.

Another excellent post. 

BF25394

elvistheking44 said:

HughFreakingDillon said:

I find it odd that anyone in the crowd would feel "attacked" by anything Ed has ever said on stage. 

People feel attacked if someone refers to their dog as a dog rather than a “gender neutral mammal that walks on four legs and has no choice about it” You know the drill.

All pets should be gender-neutral because everyone should spay or neuter their pets!

HughFreakingDillon

BF25394 said:

elvistheking44 said:

HughFreakingDillon said:

I find it odd that anyone in the crowd would feel "attacked" by anything Ed has ever said on stage. 

People feel attacked if someone refers to their dog as a dog rather than a “gender neutral mammal that walks on four legs and has no choice about it” You know the drill.

All pets should be gender-neutral because everyone should spay or neuter their pets!

Mr. Barker?

BF25394

HughFreakingDillon said:

BF25394 said:

elvistheking44 said:

HughFreakingDillon said:

I find it odd that anyone in the crowd would feel "attacked" by anything Ed has ever said on stage. 

People feel attacked if someone refers to their dog as a dog rather than a “gender neutral mammal that walks on four legs and has no choice about it” You know the drill.

All pets should be gender-neutral because everyone should spay or neuter their pets!

Mr. Barker?

I never put two and together that pet-loving Bob's name was "Barker" until I read your reply.  I'm more of a Meower myself.

southernmanfan

smile6680 said:

BF25394 said:

I'm an independent but I am generally sympathetic to his/the band's political point of view on the key issues he tends to talk about (guns, environment, abortion) and have likely voted for the same candidates they tend to support (Biden and Obama but not Nader or Sanders). 

I also think that it would make no sense for an artist whose art expresses political points of view to be expected to remain silent about political matters, and anyone who expects silence after a 30-year track record of speaking out is being unrealistic and ought to realize that it comes with the territory.

I also have noticed that, with very few exceptions, when people complain about musicians expressing political opinions, the issue is generally that the musicians express opinions that they disagree with, not that they express opinions per se.  This kind of hypocrisy is aggravating.

Having said that, I don't think Ed is necessarily the best spokesperson all of the time and that can make the mid-show speeches somewhat grating.  The speeches can be rambling, vulgar and needlessly divisive.  I do think he did a much better job on the recent U.S. tour when he decided to address issues.  I think his speeches were more concise, pointed, appropriately emotional and less divisive than they have sometimes been in the past.

My biggest concern with political speech by celebrities is that it is often counterproductive (i.e., it preaches and virtue-signals to the choir without converting anyone, while alienating less engaged people who might be persuadable).  It's also red meat in a culture war that certain people in this country are eager to exploit, inflame and profit from.  I'd rather not feed the trolls.

Another excellent post. 

Yep. 

HughFreakingDillon

BF25394 said:

HughFreakingDillon said:

BF25394 said:

elvistheking44 said:

HughFreakingDillon said:

I find it odd that anyone in the crowd would feel "attacked" by anything Ed has ever said on stage. 

People feel attacked if someone refers to their dog as a dog rather than a “gender neutral mammal that walks on four legs and has no choice about it” You know the drill.

All pets should be gender-neutral because everyone should spay or neuter their pets!

Mr. Barker?

I never put two and together that pet-loving Bob's name was "Barker" until I read your reply.  I'm more of a Meower myself.

it's funny you say that...neither did I until I typed it out

StardogChamp79

I think artists are put on this earth to make us question, invoke thought, and press the limits of those who oppress freedom. I should be so fortunate to live in a country that gives us those freedoms regardless of your political views. But some are not so fortunate, and this band has been very outspoken about domestic and abroad issues. They have always been a left-leaning band but have also brought up many things to make people think about how we treat each other, how we treat our children, and what kind of world we are already leaving for them. You may not agree with everything, and that is ok. Opinions are great! They make people think and open doors. It’s when we attack each other we do more harm. I read this about another Seattle gentleman who didn’t know his opinions on the Vietnam war. I always thought it was in protest, but if we can have a healthy debate and move the needle forward for a better world, I am all for hearing people out. 

https://www.jimihendrix.com/editorial/star-spangled-banner-jimi-hendrix-at-woodstock-the-anthem-of-a-generation/

I am also reminded by one other thing…

athenssmile

I would prefer he not do it.  I think music has a beautiful and almost magical ability to bring people with differing backgrounds, beliefs, politics, and perspectives together to share a love - in this case, the band's music - that unites us all.  It doesn't matter if you are liberal or conservative, religious or atheist, pro-life or pro-choice...  The music brings everyone together for a shared moment that reminds us despite our differences, we can and do have things in common.  I wish he wouldn't do it because it can break the spell.  Yes, he has the platform and can do what he wants.  But the rant can divide us, and he has the power to unite, even if it is just for a few hours.  And hopefully, a lot of hours in Nashville.

ComeToTX

The rant unites most of us. 

JH6056

ComeToTX said:

The rant unites most of us. 

Yes, the rants do unite most of us! And for so many of us, that feeling of community is magnified that much more by knowing that the same things making us crazy or concerned or activating us in current events, are on Ed and the other band members minds and consciouses too.

AlaG

JH6056 said:

ComeToTX said:

The rant unites most of us. 

Yes, the rants do unite most of us! And for so many of us, that feeling of community is magnified that much more by knowing that the same things making us crazy or concerned or activating us in current events, are on Ed and the other band members minds and consciouses too.

It also affects us in the sense that we know where those $5 of our ticket sale is going to 

PP193448

Think I prefer the Rock and Roll more than the Rant and Roll… but doesn’t matter to me.  We can always learn different perspectives from different conversations with different opinions.