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I still have my original Aqualung and Thick As a Brick albums
".....'To those who tell me I should 'boycott' Israel (or, for that matter, Turkey or Lebanon)," Anderson wrote, "I can only point out that on my travels around the world I am continually reminded of atrocities carried out historically by many nations who are now our friends, and it serves to strengthen my resolve that some degree of peace and better understanding may result from my and other artists' professional and humble efforts in such places.
If I had the opportunity to perform today in Iran or North Korea, hell - I'd be there if I thought it would make a tiny positive net contribution to better relations,' he added......"
Jethro Tull (and Elton John) have at least a provisionally valid point; if you can only perform in countries whose government's policies you agree with totally, you'd be unlikely to be able to entertain anywhere on earth except Antarctica.
On the other hand, the 'Sun City' boycott of apartheid South Africa was widely lauded among the artistic community. I'm not terribly sure why anyone who supported that would consider that Israel, an equally illegitimate colonial state, should be insulated from such treatment.
What about when the Beatles played in Red Square? Music is suppose to transcend and cross all national, cultural and racial boundaries. Sharing music is a way to find and forge common bonds. And why punish the common people for what their leaders do? Kudos to Jethro Tull and Sir Elton John!!!
What about when the Beatles played in Red Square? Music is suppose to transcend and cross all national, cultural and racial boundaries. Sharing music is a way to find and forge common bonds. And why punish the common people for what their leaders do? Kudos to Jethro Tull and Sir Elton John!!!
Where is the line drawn, is the question. Would it have been appropriate for Glenn Miller to play in Vichy France or Manchukuo? (let's assume we were not in the war yet). How revolting does a government have to become before they become anathema to decent performers? Again, why was the Sun City boycott considered a great moral victory but the Israel boycott held to a different rule?
I don't blame an artist who comes to a different conclusion. They have to live with their own decisions. I am just wondering about the justification for what seems like a double-standard.
Why are artists and sportspeople supposed to operate these "boycotts" while it seems to be okay for governments and corporations to continue to do business with the countries concerned?
I still have my original Aqualung and Thick As a Brick albums
".....'To those who tell me I should 'boycott' Israel (or, for that matter, Turkey or Lebanon)," Anderson wrote, "I can only point out that on my travels around the world I am continually reminded of atrocities carried out historically by many nations who are now our friends, and it serves to strengthen my resolve that some degree of peace and better understanding may result from my and other artists' professional and humble efforts in such places.
If I had the opportunity to perform today in Iran or North Korea, hell - I'd be there if I thought it would make a tiny positive net contribution to better relations,' he added......"
I still have my original Aqualung and Thick As a Brick albums
".....'To those who tell me I should 'boycott' Israel (or, for that matter, Turkey or Lebanon)," Anderson wrote, "I can only point out that on my travels around the world I am continually reminded of atrocities carried out historically by many nations who are now our friends, and it serves to strengthen my resolve that some degree of peace and better understanding may result from my and other artists' professional and humble efforts in such places.
If I had the opportunity to perform today in Iran or North Korea, hell - I'd be there if I thought it would make a tiny positive net contribution to better relations,' he added......"
My kind of rock star. Now if that moron McCartney would only learn from this. He just manages to stoke the embers.
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