No, this ISN'T a political thread. The right of well-known musicians to exploit their celebrity to espouse their causes is the issue.

I have no problem with it. Just because one may be a "celebrity" doesn't mean they must keep silent on social and political issues. On the contrary, if I were in that position, I'd do the same.

Now, should their standing with the ever-hungry media sharks prevent them from doing this?

The game goes both ways -- the public sucks it up, and the media gives them fodder.

Some celebrities take advantage of this, so I don't fault them. Do YOU?

One answer: BOB GELDOF

Second answer: BONO

Its hard to say. Im not exactly sure how I feel about it. It does seem like theres a lot of posturing involved. but at the same time, people like Bono make so much money. theyre in a position where they can do something. at least hes doing something to make a difference. but then, what EXACTLy is he doing beyond the photo ops? I dont know what efforts he's involved with. Im not educated enough on this subject. These are just my impressions.

They whole idea sucks and reeks of self-promotion. Why do I give a sh%$ what Bono, Geldof, Sting, Bruce, or even Jagger thinks about politics. They live in a completely different world than I do.

The third world debt is in demise, due to (not only) BONO. Several million Africans are alive and doing well due to GELDOF.

Elmo Lewis Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> They whole idea sucks and reeks of self-promotion.
> Why do I give a sh%$ what Bono, Geldof, Sting,
> Bruce, or even Jagger thinks about politics. They
> live in a completely different world than I do.


Did you see those harrowing pictures during the 1985 Live Aid.? Shame on you.

jagger50 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> One answer: BOB GELDOF


If some pop star becomes more famous as a result of a few lives getting saved, then I guess I can live with it.

No doubt your contribution to mankind has been much greater

Gazza Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> jagger50 Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > One answer: BOB GELDOF
>
>
> If some pop star becomes more famous as a result
> of a few lives getting saved, then I guess I can
> live with it.
>
> No doubt your contribution to mankind has been
> much greater


A few lives!! Jesus Christ what's going on here. YES. It has hit a nerve.

I stand corrected. If lives have been saved due to the efforts of rock stars, normal folks, or anyone in between, I'm all for it.

I'm against a-holes getting on TV and in print for their supposed "good" efforts when all they're doing is seeking free publicity. Just because one has a few hit songs (sometimes great songs) doesn't make them any smarter or holier-than-thou.

Bono, Sting, Bruce, etc. fit this profile.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2006-04-08 22:30 by Elmo Lewis.

what about Lennon?
He wasn't very popular with the politicans was he?
Now they love the rock stars

Someone PLEASE put this guy straight. Have you not heard about Bono and the third world debt? Springteen has done a lot for charity.Read up on these things.
I'm really surprised, I really am.

Couldn't care less.

Many others are quietly doing their part to help out (including myself). Aren't these people really the heroes?

Ever read the Bible story about the old widow who could only put in her 2 cents, but it was all she had - As opposed to the big shots who made a big deal out of their "generous" donation?

Plug in, turn up your amp, quit talking, and start rocking.

I rest my case.

Me 2. Let's agree to disagree and move on.

SK

Elmo Lewis Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> Plug in, turn up your amp, quit talking, and start
> rocking.

Thank you Elmo. That's all I want my rock stars to do - to BE rock stars! Nothing more.

why should the rock stars' intentions matter? as long as the results of their deeds are positive, i don't see the problem with them acting in a slightly self-aggrandizing manner.

jagger50 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Gazza Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > jagger50 Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > One answer: BOB GELDOF
> >
> >
> > If some pop star becomes more famous as a
> result
> > of a few lives getting saved, then I guess I
> can
> > live with it.
> >
> > No doubt your contribution to mankind has been
> > much greater
>
>
> A few lives!! Jesus Christ what's going on here.
> YES. It has hit a nerve.


sorry, mate. I thought from the way you expressed your initial post it was a reply to the last sentence in the preceding one (ie, you were implying that Geldof was 'taking advantage' of this). From your later posts, I see thats not what you meant

As that wasnt the case, I'm actually agreeing with you. My dig at the 'contribution' of others who place more importance on the 'self promotion' side effect of some of these people helping save some lives remains!

Elmo Lewis Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I stand corrected. If lives have been saved due to
> the efforts of rock stars, normal folks, or anyone
> in between, I'm all for it.
>
> I'm against a-holes getting on TV and in print for
> their supposed "good" efforts when all they're
> doing is seeking free publicity. Just because one
> has a few hit songs (sometimes great songs)
> doesn't make them any smarter or holier-than-thou.
>
>
> Bono, Sting, Bruce, etc. fit this profile.


balls

Whilst having a record contract doesnt automatically make one more of an expert than anyone else, if you can use your fame to highlight a cause which actually saves some lives and does some overall good in humanitarian terms, then I cant see how Bono or Sting or someone getting their mug on TV and being annoying is more important to some people than people dying because they cant afford to eat or because their government is too corrupt to help feed them.

Youre absolutely right about unsung people being 'real heroes' but its not a mutually exclusive thing. For any cause to succeed , it requires public awareness and media exposure. Having a high profile figurehead can only help.

To say that "all" the people youve mentioned above are after is free publicity is outrageous. They hardly need it.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2006-04-09 00:25 by Gazza.

Celebrities have the ability to draw attention to a cause and motivate others to join in. This is a very valuable contribution.
I agree it is sickening is when one postures to having more hands on involvement than they really do, or acting like they are more informed than they really are.
But it is hard to evaluate any persons true contribution unless you are there. Some give money and time without publicizing it. And others are posers. It is hard to tell the difference from the outside.

jagger 50 wrote:

Someone PLEASE put this guy straight.

I'm a 45 year old father of 2. I resent this childlike comment. I don't want to be put straight and I wouldn't listen if anybody tried to (about this subject). Blowhard windbags (like Bono, Sting, Macca, etc.) are why I don't like mixing music and politics. Some posters on here seem to have the same delusional thoughts of their own "smartness" and superiority. This is why I don't dig this stuff.

Thanks, Stones 89 for your comment:

That's all I want my rock stars to do - to BE rock stars! Nothing more.

Our points of view differ. So we move on. That's fine.

I made this up today.


I got a new stereo for my car,
I check the central heating,
I got a DVD and a computer,
Why are these people always bleating?
Because I'm not hungry.

I pay my water bills,
I got my TV license,
Why don't they complain in silence?
Because I'm not hungry.

On my fridge are Geldoff and Midge,
I'm warm and dry when it's raining
Why are these people always complaining?
Because I'm not hungry.

Any effort to help others must be seen as good. It's like seeing the beggar and not giving money because you assume he is buying booze with it. Celebrities should not be judged negatively when doing good. If their motives are not "good", God will pass judgement on them since He knows them from the inside...

Sorry maybe to religious....

I've probably given more of my money and time to charity in the past month - My church, Relay for Life (cancer), and Jumprope For Heart (heart disease) than the rest of you do-gooders on here combined.

Go worship Bono if you must. I'll pass.

The big problem is that cool rock stars like the Stones and Dylan keep there charitable deeds pretty low key, but the big Mother Theresas are all total @#$%& like Bono and Sting, but like the man says if it does something good I can live with it, at least it wastes time where they could be making more shit records to annoy us with

It's a good thing that people care about causes, whether they are celebrities or not. Bob Geldof has saved many lives.

Hmm -- interesting opinions, folks.

Yes, am I certain there are cases in which espousing a "cause" is just a publicity stunt, or a means to promote onself.

I'd hardly put Bob Geldof in that category -- he isn't in it to sell records.

I wouldn't put Bono, Sting or Springsteen in that category either -- they are wealthy, so why castigate them for speaking their minds about human rights and poverty issues?

What strikes me as odd is the perception that rock n' rollers are stereotyped to be rebels or anti-heroes, so any attempt at working with governments or NGOs is somehow viewed as "selling-out".

This is the same narrow view that accuses a rocker of "selling out" when they become well-known and start making real money. These sentiments seem bitter and jealous and resentful.

Hell, I could feel that way, too. I played for 22 years and never "made it", but I'm happy for the folks that grabbed the ring on the merry-go-round and now want to give something back. I think it's admirable.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2006-04-10 02:10 by bassplayer617.

I'd like to say to them all: Shut up and play your music!!!

It's Only Rock and Roll.

__________________________

Keith plays guitar ...."Becauses" he just loves it...



ROCKMAN