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‘Peace Not War’ is just one musical attempt at protesting America’s policy towards Iraq |
In
recent weeks celebrities from across the performance spectrum have begun adding
their voices to the growing anti-war movement that opposes U.S. military action
in Iraq. Most of these notables have come from Hollywood and have included the
likes of Martin Sheen of the West Wing and Susan Sarandon. However, the music
world, which has had a tradition of speaking out at times of crisis, is also
contributing to the peace movement.
The
organization Win Without War won several big names last week when a number of
music industry notables announced they would team with the group to protest the
U.S. administration’s Iraq policies.
Speaking
at a press conference February 28, rap mogul Russell Simmons lashed out at U.S.
president George W. Bush. "We are threatened as Americans because of the
way our president carries himself," Simmons said, as quoted by CNN.
"He's the biggest threat in the world."
At
the same press conference, legendary 1960s musician Lou Reed added his concerns
over the current escalation of tensions. "I remember the Cuban missile
crisis. That was right off our shore. We didn't go to war then," said Reed,
also quoted by CNN. "We don't have to go to war with Iraq. I think you
should try everything conceivable first."
At
last month’s Brit Awards in London, several musicians took strong anti-war
stands. Chris Martin of the group Coldplay whose album Parachute is currently
ranked third amongst Pop music albums by Billboard, expressed strong concern
over Bush and his stances. "We are all going to die when George Bush gets
his way," said Martin, as quoted by USA Today.
Less
apocalyptic than Martin, but no less staunch in anti-war sentiment was Sheryl
Crow who, at the recent Grammy Awards, printed “No War” across her guitar
strap.
There
are also plans in the works by several artists to produce music tailored
specifically for the current turbulence of the times. Public Enemy front-man
Chuck D teams with the Fine Arts militia on the spoken word poem A Twisted Sense
of God Pt. 2 (http://www.fineartsmilitia.com/message.html)
while a host of acts including Public Enemy, Massive Attack, Ani DiFranco,
Chumbawamba and Midnight Oil join forces on the compilation CD Peace Not War.
Tracks on the 2-CD set such as “Sone of a Bush”, “Price of Oil”, “We
Want a Ceasefire”, “Not in My Name” and “Peace Not War”, make clear
the releases anti-war stance.
