Pulse
Operation Artist Freedom
Hell on Stilts
Jenn RourkeIsn't it ironic that our troops are supposedly fighting on behalf of Iraqi freedom, yet when Natalie Maines and Eddie Vedder freely voice their opinions they receive a backlash like none other?
Freedom gives the fans a right to be angry with these artists, but their reasoning makes no sense. Vedder impaled a mask of President George W. Bush on a microphone stand and fans got upset. People with friends and family in the military are irate over what they see as opposition to the troops. I don't think a single artist has come out and said, "I'm against this war and all of our troops are suckers." Everyone supports the troops and their safety, but Bush deserves all the ridicule he can get.
As many people know, on March 10, Maines of the Texas-bred Dixie Chicks stated at a London concert that she was ashamed that she and Bush were from the same state. The audience erupted in cheers (gotta love the British). Meanwhile, back in the states, there were CD burnings and radio station boycotts in protest of Maines' remark. Maines would later deliver a tail-between-her-legs apology about how the president deserves the utmost respect and her comments were out of line.
She shouldn't have to make such a retraction. In fact, true fans would embrace her for being so bold, whether they agree or disagree. It's not as though the Chicks are writing anti-war songs like R.E.M. and System of a Down. Reports are that the Chicks' biggest fans are the ones organizing the CD burnings. I guess some people are too simple-minded to separate an artist's work from his or her personal life and beliefs. Pathetic. The coolest thing about this whole deal is that although the Chicks' CD sales dropped by 50 percent the week following Maines' anti-Bush sentiment, their "Home" CD was still the top-selling album on the country charts.
As for the decrease in radio play, you know radio's biggest conglomerate, Clear Channel, won't be coming to the Chicks' aid anytime soon. The FCC is currently working on new guidelines on station ownership and limiting the number of station properties one group can own. Which means it's time for Clear Channel to kiss government ass and wave the red, white and blue for fear its stronghold in radio be destroyed. Schmucks.
Could this be why we haven't heard any anti-war tunes over the airwaves? No matter, at least other artists are capitalizing on the war. Three Doors Down's "When I'm Gone" saw an increase in plays after throwing in some military clips. R. Kelly is re-releasing a single called "A Soldier's Heart," from which Kelly says all the proceeds will go to his I Believe I Can Fly Foundation. I guess that's how you pay society back in light of child pornography charges.
Two artists are not making fools of themselves: Madonna (can you believe it?) and Linkin Park. See, this is how you separate personal belief from entertainment; these artists still suck as entertainers, but they are to be praised for their respect to the troops. Linkin Park, whose new "Meteora" album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard, is setting aside tickets for military personnel and their families during its upcoming tour. Madonna delayed the release of her video for "American Life" which featured Madonna and her dancers in fatigues, throwing grenades, and basically demonstrating a disdain for America.
I guess there's only so much freedom to go around, so if you're a major artist, my advice is to make like Clear Channel and worship the ground the government walks on until it's kosher to be anti-American again.
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