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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. |
