Bands Gather to Stump Against Bush
 

Bands Gather to Stump Against Bush
By LARRY McSHANE, AP

NEW YORK (Aug. 4) - In an unprecedented series of concerts in nine swing states, more than 20 musical acts - including Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam and the Dixie Chicks - will perform fund-raising concerts one month before the Nov. 2 election in an effort to unseat President Bush.

"At some point, you can't sit still," says Eddie Vedder, seated next to Bruce Springsteen and several other 'Vote For Change' artists.

The shows, which will begin Oct. 1 in Pennsylvania, will take an unusual approach: as many as six concerts on a single day in cities across the states expected to decide the November presidential race. Other stops on the tour are North Carolina, Ohio, Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin and the key state in 2000, Florida.

"We're trying to put forward a group of progressive ideals and change the administration in the White House,'' Springsteen told The Associated Press in the most overtly political statements of his 30-year career. "That's the success or failure, very clear cut and very simple.''

The artists of different generations and genres will tour under the name "Vote For Change,'' with shows Oct. 1-8. But the money generated will go to America Coming Together, which promises on its Web site to "derail the right-wing Republican agenda by defeating George W. Bush.''

The anticipated millions of dollars will be spent in the swing states before the presidential election, said ACT president Ellen Malcolm.

The shows will be presented by MoveOn Pac, the electoral arm of the liberal interest group MoveOn.org, with an official announcement expected Wednesday.

There was no immediate word on prices for tickets, which were going on sale for all shows Aug. 21. The shows will pair artists, such as Springsteen and REM or the Dixie Chicks and James Taylor. There will be 34 shows in 28 cities.

Artist Lineup
· Pearl Jam
· Bruce Springsteen
· R.E.M.
· Dave Matthews
· Jurassic 5
· Dixie Chicks
· Death Cab for Cutie
· James Taylor
· Ben Harper
· My Morning Jacket
· Jackson Browne
· Babyface
· Bonnie Raitt
· John Fogerty
· Keb' Mo'
· Bright Eyes
· John Mellencamp

Natalie Maines, of the Dixie Chicks, who memorably told a London audience last year that she was ashamed to share her home state of Texas with Bush, echoed a Springsteen comment that this was the most important election of their lives.

"A change is in order,'' Maines said. "There's never been a political climate like this, which is so the polar opposite of me as a person and what I believe in.''

The idea was hatched by several of the acts' managers, and quickly expanded. "Once we started talking to each other, ideas started percolating and other artists started reaching out to us,'' said Jon Landau, Springsteen's manager.

Other artists participating in the shows include hip-hoppers Jurassic 5, John Mellencamp, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Babyface, Bright Eyes and the Dave Matthews Band. Most have a history of social activism, from Browne's anti-nuclear concerts to Mellencamp's Farm Aid shows. Pearl Jam front man Vedder was a Ralph Nader backer in 2000.

"At some point, you can't sit still,'' said Vedder, a harsh critic of the Iraq war. "You can't spend your life, when people are getting killed, without asking serious questions about why.''

Springsteen said he didn't fear any backlash over going public with his personal politics.

"It's a pretty clear-cut decision in November,'' said Springsteen, whose songs have provided a backdrop for some Kerry events. "We're chipping in our two cents. That's all we're trying to do.''

2004 AP

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I think this is great, finally some people willing to speak out more publicly against Dubya. I want to go to one of these concerts! :thumbsup:

Wouldn't it be more significant to find a band that would stump FOR President Bush? :shrug:

That one would be tough...some country artists support Bush, as well as Jessica Simpson...so there you go!

Chris

It's "cooler" to stump for Kerry these days. If you look at the talent roster that the Republican party has, it's pretty slim pickings. Chaka Khan has no qualms about singing at their convention because, well, you do the math. :laugh:

i'll take
Ben Harper
Jackson Browne
J.C. Mellencamp
for my show, please
Amber

I heard that the Jackson Browne show was him and Bonnie Raitt. :) They've done benefit shows together before and I've only heard good things about the shows. Gldstwmn went to one!

Niiiiice. You mean Gldstwmn Stevie?
Amber

No, our Gldstwmn. ;)

Do you think anyone from Fleetwood Mac will make an appearance? Maybe not the republican John, but the other 3?

I think that is the most telling statement I've ever heard! :laugh:

I highly doubt it..they have never been one to endorse a particular candidate or even speak of elections until they are over really....of course they did the Fleetwood Mac thing...but being asked by a president to perform , is diff. than endorsing a particular candidate and rallying against another...Stevie likes to play it safe politically, in terms of how outspoken she is

Chris

Jessica: Nick, honey, I just love that cute Gavin Rossdale... so I'm gonna vote for Bush in November.

Nick: :rolleyes:

Mick endorsed Clinton before the election. ;)

Really I had never heard that...what forum did he do this in, interview or what?

Chris

Good Morning America with Lindsey. :D He says that he can't vote, but if he could, he would vote for the Clinton/Gore ticket.

I think THAT is the most telling statement I've ever heard! ;) :laugh:

Yeah... Mick actually deserves more credit than we give him. ;) :laugh:

I've always thought he was a pretty good drummer, but that's about it. He can't even write a decent book. Need I say more?! :lol: