Republican Fundraiser at DC Fleetwood Mac show

[dontlookdown]

Two Republican congressmen are hosting a $1000/per person fundraiser in a rented box at the Fleetwood Mac show in DC later this month.
I would love to know if the band is aware of this and if they have any control over it.
Maybe not, but I know of plenty of artists and musicians who would never allow this to happen (Springsteen, etc.) during their shows.
I think maybe I lost a little bit of respect for the band because of this.
They should have more control over what happens during their shows.

http://politicalpartytime.org/blog/2013/04/05/ill-see-you-at-the-parties-cory-bookers-back-republican-senators-double-up-and-more/

If anyone has any info/insight, please share.

And yes, if these were Democratic congressmen, I wouldn't mind as much. These two Republican clowns have many qualities to love: Brett Guthrie is a huge supporter of the NRA and John Shimkus is a global warming denier! I know collectively they would make Lindsey and Stevie throw up on stage.

[louielouie2000]

We do know John McVie is a staunch Republican, so he certainly wouldn't mind. I don't think the rest of the band would, either... they're just flogging the dead cash cow yet again for another oldies tour. I think the only thing that might anger the band is that they haven't been able to find a way to get $1,000/seat for the entire arena! :p

[mottabam]

Two Republican congressmen are hosting a $1000/per person fundraiser in a rented box at the Fleetwood Mac show in DC later this month.
I would love to know if the band is aware of this and if they have any control over it.
Maybe not, but I know of plenty of artists and musicians who would never allow this to happen (Springsteen, etc.) during their shows.
I think maybe I lost a little bit of respect for the band because of this.
They should have more control over what happens during their shows.

http://politicalpartytime.org/blog/2013/04/05/ill-see-you-at-the-parties-cory-bookers-back-republican-senators-double-up-and-more/

If anyone has any info/insight, please share.

And yes, if these were Democratic congressmen, I wouldn't mind as much. These two Republican clowns have many qualities to love: Brett Guthrie is a huge supporter of the NRA and John Shimkus is a global warming denier! I know collectively they would make Lindsey and Stevie throw up on stage.

I don't really have any info to share but don't really understand what the issue truly is? I'm guessing it is a democrat/republican issue either of which I could care less. A rented box can be utilized by any group willing to pay the price and offer a service(food, drink, literature, beliefs, opinions or just a party in general). Anyone with the means should not be discriminated upon based on religion, race, political persuasion or sexual orientation etc etc etc.
I'm sure groups and companies rent these boxes all the time and often at a premium to those attending. Considering I see scalpers offering tickets in the thousands on ebay and broker sites not sure if the price tag is the intended problem.
I really don't think the band would care what happens inside a rented box unless it was harmful or illegal activity.
John McVie would probably be happy to do a meet and greet with the said mentioned Congressman.

[jenniferuk]

Looks like a new attempt at fundraising-rent a box for big shows, let donors hang out in the box during concert. There are similar events for Taylor Swift, Beyonce, NKOTB concerts.

I have no idea how boxes are sold by venues, but I would doubt that a band is made aware.

politicalpartytime.org/search/Entertainment_Type/Concert/

Eta: Springsteen concerts, too, both d and r fundraisers.
politicalpartytime.org/search/entertainment_type/Bruce%20Springsteen%20Concert/

[Regina]

This is still a free country, is it not? Or is it only that way if you agree with their politics? The ideal of democracy is that we do have choices. I may not agree with people's politics, but I would not ban them from attending a concert, or buying a box at an arena if it's a perfectly legal thing to do.

[Matt Lucas]

I hope the band doesn't know about any of this, and I hope that if they do know, they don't care.

I don't hold it against artists when they express their views in a song or make a personal contribution to a particular candidate, as is their right. But I really hate it when artists publicly endorse a politician.

I've been a huge Springsteen fan for years, but when he ratcheted up his support for the president several years ago, it really ruined Bruce's music for me. I actually agree with some of Bruce's political and social views, and I respect his views, even when I don't agree. He has a unique ability, through characters, to tell striking stories about poverty and other social issues in his music. But I resent artists and celebrities presenting their views as "facts," and that's usually what happens when they begin making appearances on behalf of politicians.

I'll never forget the Springsteen show in Houston that I attended in 2008. He was about to play one of his newer songs, "Livin' in the Future," which was clearly written about the nation's political situation at that time. Yet, Bruce felt he had to explain this during a long monolog introducing the song. My feeling is---if you have to explain what the song is about, then you didn't do your job very well. Let the music do the talking. Lots of people in the crowd actually booed him.

I am neither a republican nor a democrat [and this really isn't the place to describe why], so for me, it's not a party thing. I guess it's mostly the impression that the artist feels compelled to inform his or her fans about the issues. As if we're simply not intelligent enough to figure things out on our own...?

And FM isn't innocent in this area. I appreciate the fact that the Clinton thing helped lead to the reunion, but I still wish that FM hadn't participated in such a high-profile political event.

So, please, FM---stay out of politics.

matt

[HejiraNYC]

Well, if you really think about it, what other options do Republicans have for fundraising events? Other than Ted Nugent, Meatloaf, Trace Adkins and some other irrelevant (mostly country) artists, nobody else would be willing to sign onto a Republican fundraiser. I think this is pretty much a non-issue as far as FM is concerned because DC is an industry town, and it is inevitable that one or more of those corporate boxes would be owned/affiliated with a political party. There isn't a darn thing FM can do to change that.

[dontlookdown]

it's not a question of whether it's legal or not. of course it is.

i just know that if I were Lindsey, Stevie, Mick or John - I would feel very used.
And at this point in their long careers, they don't need to be used.
This isn't any different than using a song for a political rally, without permission.
These two congressmen are using Fleetwood Mac for their own financial gain, and that is just really plan and simple creepy.

Stevie and Lindsey are both really smart, thoughtful progressive people. It makes me sick to think of these incredibly shallow politicians profiting from music that isn't theirs to profit from.

[HejiraNYC]

it's not a question of whether it's legal or not. of course it is.

i just know that if I were Lindsey, Stevie, Mick or John - I would feel very used.
And at this point in their long careers, they don't need to be used.
This isn't any different than using a song for a political rally, without permission.
These two congressmen are using Fleetwood Mac for their own financial gain, and that is just really plan and simple creepy.

Stevie and Lindsey are both really smart, thoughtful progressive people. It makes me sick to think of these incredibly shallow politicians profiting from music that isn't theirs to profit from.

If the congressmen have paid Fleetwood Mac (or the arena... not sure how these corporate boxes really work), then they are entitled to use them however they please. I don't see anything wrong with that. I mean, the maker of Girl Scout cookies gets paid for their cookies. So if the Girl Scouts go on to sell their cookies to the Ku Klux Klan, it really shouldn't make any difference to the cookie makers.

[Macfanforever]

As long us the tax payers are NOT paying for them to see FM or any other band.I don't care of they go to see FM in box seats as long as my tax dollars is not used for the tix,

For fund raising using FM as a backdrop .Its OK as long it does not get messy.

I would not buy a ticket to support any party.

I see and hear alot of that on the news.

On the other hand as we see when FM's Don't Stop was used with Bill Clinton.I dont mind their music was used for that as long the band dont mind them using their tune for campaigning.

[dontlookdown]

ironically, Don't Stop might be the only Fleetwood Mac song that I never liked.
(But I was a big Clinton supporter).

[cantgoback]

Huh, I find it hard to believe Stevie would be a republican, they all performed for Bill Clinton after all.

[The Catdancer]

I don't think they care. Why would they?! Besides, it's a rented box in an arena, they don't have control over that.

[KarmaContestant]

John McVie is a Republican? OK. :laugh: He's not even American, so it seems a bit silly to "assign" an American political party to him.

I mean, he can't even vote unless he's a citizen here...which he isn't, right?

[nicolasjz]

We know for a fact that Stevie's a Democrat. However, I think that ultimately she really doesn't care much about politics in general. She's too much of a dreamer… :)

[jenniferuk]

John McVie is a Republican? OK. :laugh: He's not even American, so it seems a bit silly to "assign" an American political party to him.

I mean, he can't even vote unless he's a citizen here...which he isn't, right?

He is a dual citizen-became a US citizen in 1986 (Mick followed in 2006).

[KarmaContestant]

He is a dual citizen.

Maybe in the UK, but to be a full, voting American, you have to rescind any other citizenships you might have. He's either dual and can't vote here, or he's a full American that votes, with no citizenship in another country.

The US does not officially recognize dual citizenship.

[jenniferuk]

Maybe in the UK, but to be a full, voting American, you have to rescind any other citizenships you might have. He's either dual and can't vote here, or he's a full American that votes, with no citizenship in another country.

The US does not officially recognize dual citizenship.

The US does not recognise it but one does not have to rescind. I have both, as do my spouse and children. My husband and I can vote here.

[KarmaContestant]

The US does not recognise it but one does not have to rescind. I have both, as do my spouse and children. My husband and I can vote here.

Hmm, that's interesting. Thanks for clarifying.

There used to be a law here, until 1978, than anyone who voted in another country would lose American citizenship, but it was repealed by way of the Supreme Court.

[louielouie2000]

Huh, I find it hard to believe Stevie would be a republican.

People have posted public records on here before where Stevie has donated money to Democratic candidates in the past.

[jenniferuk]

Hmm, that's interesting. Thanks for clarifying.

There used to be a law here, until 1978, than anyone who voted in another country would lose American citizenship, but it was repealed by way of the Supreme Court.

It is a confusing process! Basically neither country supports dual cit but they ignore it as long as passport rules etc are followed.

Back to John, there was a story here years ago, perhaps in his Q&A, that as a joke someone put a John Kerry sticker on his case...I don't think it stayed on long!

[dontlookdown]

Not sure if John actually votes here, but I can tell you for a fact that both Stevie and Lindsey are very active with both $ contributions and fundraising in both local CA and national Democratic politics.
They go out of their way to not publicize, but they are big do-gooders and are in it for all the right reasons.

[DestinyRules]

I have a problem with ANY political party using Fleetwood Mac for their fundraising efforts.

[Musicman408]

They bought the box fair and square. No problem with it at all. Doubt there would be a thread here if it was the Democrats who had done the same thing.

[Machu]

I don't think The band could do anything about it. It sounds like they bought the box/tickets themselves and are using them as a fundraising prize. It's just cool that people like Fleetwood Mac that much! LOL

[WatchChain]

I don't really have any info to share but don't really understand what the issue truly is? I'm guessing it is a democrat/republican issue either of which I could care less. A rented box can be utilized by any group willing to pay the price and offer a service(food, drink, literature, beliefs, opinions or just a party in general). Anyone with the means should not be discriminated upon based on religion, race, political persuasion or sexual orientation etc etc etc.
I'm sure groups and companies rent these boxes all the time and often at a premium to those attending. Considering I see scalpers offering tickets in the thousands on ebay and broker sites not sure if the price tag is the intended problem.
I really don't think the band would care what happens inside a rented box unless it was harmful or illegal activity.
John McVie would probably be happy to do a meet and greet with the said mentioned Congressman.

I agree with the post above. I really don't think the band has any control over who chooses the buy a suite/box and host whatever activity they want in that box as long as they are not breaking the law. Moreover, I don't think that some members of Fleetwood Mac are as LIBERAL as many would believe (with the exception of Lindsey).

[redbird]

Personally I don't really mind if the band themselves don't mind. I tend to believe the political is personal so if a band makes politics part of their music, good for them I say. It's what they believe, I applaud anyone who has the nerve to make art about things that are important. At least they can be liked or disliked for who they really are. And if an artist doesn't want, for example, a politician of a different stripe to use their music for their campaigning, I totally get that.

But if the artists themselves don't mind, then I don't mind.

[ShangriLaTroubl]

I agree with the post above. I really don't think the band has any control over who chooses the buy a suite/box and host whatever activity they want in that box as long as they are not breaking the law. Moreover, I don't think that some members of Fleetwood Mac are as LIBERAL as many would believe (with the exception of Lindsey).

I guess it depends on if donating thousands of dollars to liberal candidates, make you a "liberal." Or if publicly supporting a mostly liberal Democratic candidate for president (Stevie Nicks on Obama) on her official website counts?

[Ali]

This happens all the time in DC so it's totally not surprising. The DC city government has a box and its been an issue for years who gets tickets to what.

If it wasn't FM, it would be Bieber, Beyonce or some other show (and there will probably be fundraisers at those too). It's just how DC is.

[sinwagon48]

Two Republican congressmen are hosting a $1000/per person fundraiser in a rented box at the Fleetwood Mac show in DC later this month.
I would love to know if the band is aware of this and if they have any control over it.
Maybe not, but I know of plenty of artists and musicians who would never allow this to happen (Springsteen, etc.) during their shows.
I think maybe I lost a little bit of respect for the band because of this.
They should have more control over what happens during their shows.

http://politicalpartytime.org/blog/2013/04/05/ill-see-you-at-the-parties-cory-bookers-back-republican-senators-double-up-and-more/

If anyone has any info/insight, please share.

And yes, if these were Democratic congressmen, I wouldn't mind as much. These two Republican clowns have many qualities to love: Brett Guthrie is a huge supporter of the NRA and John Shimkus is a global warming denier! I know collectively they would make Lindsey and Stevie throw up on stage.

They would make me throw up in the audience. for sure.

[LB Freakazoid]

I normally don't like to comment on political stuff on music boards...
However....
Whoever buys the clubhouse seats - buys the clubhouse seats... Lots of stuff happens in them - whether or not you agree with it politically, morally - someone, somewhere will disagree....
Show BUSINESS

And on a side note - back in 2004 - I was doing a rehearsal with the peeps, at and of, PGA (whom I had worked with for yeeeaaarrrsss) And one of the executives asked what I had been up to lately.... I mentioned that I was prompting John Kerry for a gazillion stump speeches - end of chit chat - on to his rehearsal...
The next day, the production company called me and said that the executives of PGA did not want - and I quote - "We don't want that little democrat doing our shows no more"

After years of suffering through 8 hours a day, for 4-5 days in a row, of people TALKING about golf! Argh! And if you think watching golf is mind numbing - try listening to people discussing it....

They didn't even KNOW my political leaning (I work with all parties, it's a paycheck) they just didn't like the fact that I was even in the same room with Kerry -- So much for a business relationship or loyalty ---- their heads would explode with the 08 and 12 election cycle... Hahaha

[Macfanforever]

If I was running for office or in office or a CEO of a big company. I rather be front row center instead of those crowded box seat booths.

Yes I will be alittle shaky without my security people close to me but thats me.

I just buy the seats around me and let my people sit around me and enjoy the concert.