When it comes to politics and religion, I typically keep my opinions to myself, especially online; getting into a war of words with some anonymous internet troll is both unproductive and petty. But I cannot in good faith remain silent about the rage and hate I've seen espoused of late regarding the antiquated and discriminatory bills that a few states have elected to write into legislature (HB2, the "bathroom bill" in North Carolina, and HB1523 in Mississippi).
I’m mostly troubled because the outrage over these bills has spilled over into the world of rock n’ roll. Music is the driving force in my life and in many ways, it kept me alive and sustained my existence when I had no friends, when I was at a particularly difficult crossroads in my life, when I questioned myself and my sexuality…
Rock n’ roll is and always has been a welcoming club for miscreants, outsiders, freaks, weirdos, junkies, queers and losers – many labels with which I personally identify. When it seems like no one else is there for you, a Little Richard record on the turntable makes you feel alive and inspired. When you feel alone and awkward, Lou Reed's Transformer is the best remedy for accepting that it's okay to be who you are. When you're angry, The Who's "Baba O' Riley" spurs you to channel and express that rage like no other type of therapy can.
And, by that same belief, many touring rock 'n roll performers have made their voices heard by refusing to perform previously scheduled concerts in those two aforementioned states, among them, Bruce Springsteen, Bryan Adams and Pearl Jam, all high profile artists that draw consistently high attendance numbers because of their passionate and loyal fanbases. Each artist offered apologetic, sincere public statements regarding their decision to those fans affected but made it clear this type of legislation wouldn’t be supported.
Bryan Adams canceled a recent Biloxi, Miss. tour date in opposition of its recently adopted House Bill 1523, releasing a statement to express his distaste on his social media pages:
Important Message from Bryan: Mississippi has passed anti-LGBT ‘Religious Liberty’ bill 1523. I find it incomprehensible that LGBT citizens are being discriminated against in the state of Mississippi. I cannot in good conscience perform in a State where certain people are being denied their civil rights due to their sexual orientation. Therefore I’m cancelling my 14 April show at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. Using my voice I stand in solidarity with all my LGBT friends to repeal this extremely discriminatory bill. Hopefully Mississippi will right itself and I can come back and perform for all of my many fans. I look forward to that day. #stop1523
The irony is that rock 'n roll is a boundary-less place of acceptance and belonging. I remember having few close friends the first time I saw U2 in concert when I was 15 years old, but I felt like I was fully surrounded by like-minded people when I stood in that room and witnessed that performance. Going to a Springsteen show (a pleasure I've enjoyed nearly 60 times) is like no other live experience I’ve enjoyed; standing elbow to elbow with Boss fans ranging in age from 10 to 90, all there to feel the salvation rock n’ roll can bring – it’s a powerful thing. While these artists have stirred up alot of nasty, pointed insults and boycott threats with their actions, I applaud them, and I’d do the same thing if in their shoes.
And, make no mistake, I don't merely support the decisions that Springsteen, Adams and Pearl Jam have made because I happen to be a big fan of each – I also appreciate that they’re speaking up and taking a stand for those in peril of being shut out and discriminated against, which I find highly commendable. It makes me love them even more.
Other artists have expressed their disapproval of the bill in different ways: Duran Duran stopped during a Charlotte, N.C. show to rail against the bill while a massive video screen beamed a graphic of a rainbow-colored American flag. Both Cyndi Lauper and Mumford & Sons went on with their N.C. shows but donated all proceeds to LBGT organizations in those cities to raise local awareness. And, it’s not just rockers making their voices heard. More recently, pop diva Demi Lovato, renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman and AC pop band Maroon 5 have all pulled out of previously scheduled appearances in North Carolina as well. And a touring version of Cirque du Soleil withdrew of a string of sold-out dates in the state, as have actors who'd planned on filming there. And sports organizations (most recently, NASCAR) that had planned events there not to mention corporations eying the state for business expansion all said "no thanks" to North Carolina or publicly stated their opposition.
Rock 'n roll is not an elitist club. The beauty of rock music (and all genres of music, really) is that there are no rules or guidelines regarding membership. There are no stipulations against walking into a record store and picking up a Rolling Stones LP along with a 2Pac or Miles Davis or Hank Williams LP … music facilitates the release of your inhibitions and grants anyone and everyone the freedom and liberty to listen to anything without the pressure of being judged. For the many artists immensely grateful for the open, boundless arena in which they've succeeded, the belief is the same. Why play in a place that says otherwise?
To wrap it up my commentary on discrimination and discriminatory bills, I say this: before being so quick to support hateful pieces of legislature, consider the political rhetoric behind it and those who risk being treated unfairly as a result of it.
Over and out … and to the turntable to cue up Bob Marley's "One Love" and bask in the universal message of music.
This article appears in Jun 2-8, 2016.