Follow Us

·

Lemmy Just Called Romney a Monster. Should Musicians Really Get Into Politics?

Monday, November 05, 2012
by  paul

Perhaps Lemmy gets a free pass, but do musicians and politics really mix anymore?  Back in the 60s and 70s, music and social issues were often inseparable and critical to a musician's identity.  But that doesn't mean it makes sense in 2012.     

The problem for high-profile artists like Bruce Springsteen (an ardent Obama supporter) and Kid Rock (a Romney supporter) is the downside of losing fans based on politics (and politics alone).  And, losing money and long-term support in a far more difficult fan environment, for reasons that may have nothing to do with music. 

Case in point: here's Lemmy Kilmister's last-minute endorsement.  You could say this is just Lemmy being Lemmy, but it's hard to say whether this is ultimately good for Motorhead.  Not everyone was there from the beginning.

 

"I would have said America wasn't ready for [a Black president]. And I don't think they were, because they're trying to drag him down now. I mean, the poor fucker's only just gotten rid of all that George Bush shit that he left, or is trying to. And he's being stonewalled by the fucking Congress all the time. I don't know how he's gotten anything done. They should be glad. I mean the alternative is Mitt Romney. Please, please don't vote for Mitt Romney. Fuck him. Repeal abortion law is the first thing he'll do. Fucking monster."

 

 

Lemmy Kilmister, in comments to Rolling Stone.





  • Comments Closed
    Comments (19)

    @ThatChristianD Monday, November 05, 2012

    Go Lemmy Go!


    @jessevondoom Monday, November 05, 2012

    Yes. Fucking yes. Absolutely yes. Fuck the bottom line, and be LOUD.


    Casey Monday, November 05, 2012

    Hahaha. Who cares. When they say things like "Repeal abortion law is the first thing he'll do." then they just just sound like morons.


    @mattadownes Monday, November 05, 2012

    just another uninformed nit right?


    Andre Monday, November 05, 2012

    No -- artists must avoid controversy be all things to all people. Some of the best music has been created with this principle in mind. 

    #bieber

    #backstreetboys

    #indierock


    Bavvis Monday, November 05, 2012

    Saying that anyone 'shouldn't get into politics' is ridiculous, be they a musican, a supermarket worker, a shaman, whatever.

    Politics is for everyone.


    @WoodooProd Monday, November 05, 2012

    Hello there,

    "Should Musicians really gets into politics"  

    In my opinion: No. It's only my opinion. Music is for more beautiful things than these one's. But Well, seeking #Peace, you are already doing politic.

    So its is a very difficult question Michael. :)

    Lemmy is a human too, so he can have opinions.

    So.. As musician: No? As human: yes?

    Songs with politics connotations pissed me out.. in fact. Paradoxically: I love Bob Marley ;) 

    Only my opinions. :)

    All the best

    Woodoo Prod Team

    juan


    Lemmy Monday, November 05, 2012

    Are you telling Lemmy what to do?

    Fuck off.

    Lemmy does what Lemmy wants to do.


    lifer Monday, November 05, 2012

    Millions of dollars being spent in Washington D.C. to influence the future of this business and you have the nerve to ask this question. 

     

     

    Shame on you DMN! 


    derpa derpa Tuesday, November 06, 2012

    you fucking tell em Lemmy!


    Laughing Tuesday, November 06, 2012

    What an idiot...  Hmmmm yeah let me take political advice from a guy that can't keep sober for more than 20 minutes...  Taking politcal advice from anyone who is an entertainer is about as smart as taking driving advice from a 3 year old.


    Saumon Sauvage Tuesday, November 06, 2012

    Like anyone whose mind wasn't fried and beyond repair would rely on Lemmy for any wisdom at all....


    Jason Miles Tuesday, November 06, 2012

    Of course musicians should be into politics. Ever since the 1960s musicians voices have been prominent in this country. When I look however I see very few young musicians making political statements. So much of what your country stands for is built on emotion and that's what music is, So when we see injustice and corruption in our country we can comment on it through music.

     I think the musician that isn't involved in the issues of the day should be ashamed of themselves. Will see one day when the current crop of baby boomer artists are no longer here will There be anybody left to step up.

    I have my doubts.

    peace,Jason


    jelnet Tuesday, November 06, 2012

    The question should not be:

    "Should Musicians Really Get Into Politics?"

    But rather:


    "Should Politicians Really Get Into Politics?"

    To which the obvious answer is: No.


    zogg Tuesday, November 06, 2012

    It's America if you don't want to read it don't. Though do get out and vote and Lemmy is entilted to his opinion as am I.


    Really? Tuesday, November 06, 2012

    Yes for fucks sake politicians should be political. Why would it be different now than in the 60s and 70s? We still have war! We still have attacks on women's rights. And we have issues of equal rights for LBGTQ people starting to take hold in the USA. Or if your right wing you can talk about taxes, guns rights and religion if that floats your boat.


    Why would musicians feel like they needed to sit out of these topics? Doesn't make sense. Bruce clearly is less concerned with losing fans than with supporting the politician who matches his values. Also, newer bands like Metric have been highly political and it hasn't stopped their rise.


    Musicians: Speak your mind, don't listen to Paul!


    To all Americans Tuesday, November 06, 2012

    Don't forget to vote, if you haven't done it yet.

    "Democracy doesn't work if you don't participate"- Frank Zappa


    Me Tuesday, November 06, 2012

    Romney believes in God, but the funny thing is that Lemmy IS God.


    @softcored Tuesday, November 06, 2012

    Should Musicians Really Get Into Politics? YES!!


OUR SPONSORS

Most Read

67

Every Time Netflix Enters a New Market, BitTorrent Traffic Goes Down...

49

Dear Congress: Please Consider These Points for Your Massive Copyright Overhaul...

45

Spotify Says They're Gonna Be So Big, Artists Won't Even Have to Worry About Rent...