Pre-headliner politics

[Anarion]

I remember one older guy talking on the Pyramid stage this year. All I heard was "God this" and "God that". Didn't really like it.

But if it was a proper speech, grounded in reality, without a hundred doomsday prophecies, then I'd be all for it.

[dixietheduck]

Maybe bands being more political (a la Portishead) is the way forward. There appear to be few bands who are willing to stick their neck on the line anymore despite the horrendous political situation in this country and across the world. If you think back to The Clash and Pink Floyd (two bands from the opposite end of the musical scale) neither were afraid to bring politics into their music.

[russycarps]

Really agree with this. I saw Billy Bragg write about a week ago about how it is increasingly mainstream comedians rather than musicians that seem to be stepping up to talk openly about politics, and that struck a chord with me. I saw/heard more chatter about Russell Brand and then Robert Webb's response than I have seen generated by any musician in a decent while, and the chatter was on both sides of the pond.

i sort of hesitantly write this as when I mentioned it just as an interesting point on my own Facebook feed I received a bit of a backlash..so be kind folks, it's just a thought!

[frostypaw]

You serious? Odd friends.

I'm trying to remember but I think you're right. It's probably record label pressure but aye apart from a few always outspoken bands like massive attack there's been sod all from the artists in years

It's a shame - many of the less politically motivated listened to them

[jeffie]

You serious? Odd friends.

I'm trying to remember but I think you're right. It's probably record label pressure but aye apart from a few always outspoken bands like massive attack there's been sod all from the artists in years

It's a shame - many of the less politically motivated listened to them

[CaledonianGonzo]

Time to get The Boss back. For a major label US artist his Wrecking Ball album is both political and seething angry.

OK, it's only a middling record, but it still seems too hot to swallow for huge chunks of his US fanbase.

[big joe]

I think the brutal truth is that a lot of people just aren't bothered about these issues, whether that be through hearts of stone or general apathy or something else. Also, people generally don't like to be preached at, especially when they aren't expecting it. Glastonbury is seen by many as a glorious holiday from life, somewhere to forget work/money/family/society issues and let yourself go for a few days. Something that is brought crashing back to reality when someone starts talking about Trident on the Pyramid.

The blank disinterest of many when the Water Aid videos etc pop up, much of the crowd merrily drinking cider, dancing about or generally clowning around makes for an interesting contrast. Its a massive challenge to get people to actually want to engage with these problems.

Wrecking Ball is a brilliant album by the way.

[frostypaw]

It's not a brutal truth, it's a well known and sad one and a real problem in the world today - in fact it's what we're trying to address

Maybe they're not quite right to see it as somewhere to forget everything and go wild - that certainly isn't why Michael and Emily do it is it?

[jeffie]

I think that there's no reason why you shouldn't get trashed, enjoy yourself, and still have time to put the world to rights. That's what The Levellers reckon we should do, and I'm totally with them on that.

[halfpint]

I remember one older guy talking on the Pyramid stage this year. All I heard was "God this" and "God that". Didn't really like it

But if it was a proper speech, grounded in reality, without a hundred doomsday prophecies, then I'd be all for it.

[LondonTom]

I think that there's no reason why you shouldn't get trashed, enjoy yourself, and still have time to put the world to rights. That's what The Levellers reckon we should do, and I'm totally with them on that.

[rubenz]

That would be the local vicar - I thought what he said was very touching and I really enjoyed listening to it.

[grumpyhack]

I remember the Bishop of Bath and Wells giving a quite good address at one Glasto. It was fairly thoughtful (and I'm not of his faith) and concentrated on the key Glasto charities and what they stood for.