Should Celebrites Be able to turn Concerts into political events?

Linda Rhonstat was escorted out of the Alladin. Other Hollywwod types take every oppurtunity to preach thier political views. I for one have had enough of the richous, endless preaching from them.

People payed alot of money to see Linda. If you doubt that, take a look at what it costs to see a show these days. They did not by and large pay to get her political views on Bush etc. Did she advertise before hand that her political views would be on the playlist for the concert? No. Should she be allowed to speak about her views? Yes, that is a basic first ammendment right. What I object to is her using her concert to foreward her political views when people payed to see her play music. If she wants to express herself a press conference after the concert would have been the appropriate place to do so.

Do people feel that her expression of political views (regardless of the content be it Anti or even Pro Bush) appropriate during a payed concert?

These celebrities became famous for their talents not their views...

I personally think it should stay that way. Do they honestly think that people would care what their beliefs are if they weren't famous?

But this is America (or if their not American...they're rich) so...they can do whatever they want. Just as long as they don't complain about the consequences of their actions.

I don't think anyone pays to see a robot. "My next song.... my next song" I remember many years ago, in NYC, I saw Johnny Cash perform at Roseland. This was during the 'Achey Breaky Heart' craze. June, his wife, during a melody, started to sing, 'Achey Breaky Heart' and everyone booed. We weren't booing June, but the fact that we hated that song. Johnny knew it, he came up and asked, "Y'all don't like Billy Ray?" We screamed "No!" It was a melody piece, Johnny had his opening act on stage with him, Marty something, and Johnny asked him, "What do you think about Billy Ray?" Marty just kind of shrugged, not really wanting to put himself on the spot, said something like, "His Momma likes him" Johnny turned back to the audience, "You know what? I hate that siong too! Well I heard that train a comming..." and the audience went nuts! People want to see performers, not robots. I do, anyway.

And that Linda Ronstadt issue is such a non-issue. The owner of Alladain, promoted it as a 'Greatest Hits' concert. Linda told him time and time again, it wasn't. That's why she was happy to get fired. A couple of people may of left early, but people leave early during encores, to get to thier cars or whatever.
The only account we have of Linda's concert, or the only one getting press, is what the owner has said.

it seems like a very naive thing of her to do. and yes, it's unfair to the paying customers. although i can imagine if it were say a big rolling stones concert, and they said something political, people would say 'well, they're such big stars, they can say what they want' rather than try to get a refund. guess linda doesn't fall into that category though. i think she should have been warned for the first time, rather than fired. if she continued to do it, then fire her certainly.

-koji K.

Of course celebrities should be able to speak their mind, even while in concert or when accepting an award. But in that same vein they should also be prepared for their fans to speak their minds as well. And fans usually speak with their wallets.

Personally, I can't imagine anyone that attended a Ronstat concert was unaware of her political leanings...wasn't she married to Jerry Brown for pete's sake?

Let people, celebrities included, speak their piece. If you don't like their message, let them know by hitting them where it hurts, the pocketbook. Seems to have worked with Natalie Maines, she's been awfully quiet lately hasn't she?

Originally posted by Bleys
Of course celebrities should be able to speak their mind, even while in concert or when accepting an award. But in that same vein they should also be prepared for their fans to speak their minds as well. And fans usually speak with their wallets.

I have no objection to celebs speaking thier minds. In fact for the medical field they are a huge assest. How many people are aware of parkinsons thanks to MJF? However, even in a concert, I payed to hear them perform. I love to hear them talk about how they came about a song etc. Not why we should stay out of Iraq, Furs, Solar Power, Save the whales etc.

Let people, celebrities included, speak their piece. If you don't like their message, let them know by hitting them where it hurts, the pocketbook. Seems to have worked with Natalie Maines, she's been awfully quiet lately hasn't she?

Its not the message that bothered me. And if I was a fan of Linda, I would still by her music (or DL it for free )

Oh, I imagine she gained as many fans as she lost. This country is about as evenly divided as it could possibly be on current events. Performers of all types have always used the stage to voice their political opinion. Remember the peace concerts in the 60�s and 70�s?

But they need to remember that everyone will not agree with them. I was a big fan of Jane Fonda until I was old enough to understand her actions during the Vietnam War. Now I wouldn�t even shake her hand. Her actions turn my stomach so bad I might even hurl on her.

Stars live in kind of a dream world sometimes, so they need to think before they talk. Their beliefs may not have much in common with reality. And us poor ordinary folks need to remember that just because some one sings well or can act doesn�t mean they know ANYTHING about foreign relations!!!!

[edit on 7/23/2004 by Montana]

I'd hardly say she was 'Preaching her Political Views'. What exactly happened:

Ronstadt, who had been hired for a one-show engagement Saturday night at the Las Vegas Strip casino, dedicated a performance of "Desperado" to Moore and his controversial documentary

She dedicated ONE SONG to Moore. I don't know how many concerts you've been to, or how many performances you've seen, but the performer usually has many commentaries and/or dedications throughout their performance. So what she did is nothing new at all, nor is it any big deal.

Plus she is the talent. She is there and being paid to Perform and Express herself, etc. Be it through Song, Dance, Magic, Lecture or whatever. She's not there to be everyone's b*tch and say only what they want her to say or sing only the songs they request. It's HER SHOW and she can do what she wants to do. Ya know, Freedom of Speech and all.

I love this:

The current owners of the casino banned her from the venue but it appears they won't be the current owners for much longer. The venue is about to be taken over by Planet Hollywood and it looks like Bill Timmins, is current President of the venue will be gone. New Chairman and CEO Robert Earl has welcomed Linda back.

"We hope to be approved by the Nevada Gaming Commission to become the new owners of the Aladdin Resort in Las Vegas as early as September 1, 2004" he said in a statement. "Upon the assumption of ownership, and with a new management team in place, we would like to offer the use of the Theater of Performing Arts to Linda Ronstadt for a second concert and further to take Michael Moore up on his offer to join her on stage to introduce her and sing a song".

Another thing that makes this B.S. is this:

About a quarter of the 4,500 people in the audience got up and left before the performance had finished, Gorgon said.

So 1/4 of the people left and didn't like the comment. Well what about the 3/4 of the people who either agreed with the comment or simply didn't care and just was there to see the show???

Just because some Crybaby, Thin skinned, Pretentious, Tight-Ass, Conservative, Suck-Ups get all miffed and throw a fit, doesn't mean you treat a Long Time Star and Performer like a terrorist or criminal, or deprive the Large Majority of guests who remained for the show they also paid for!!! This is America for f*ck sake, not Nazi Germany or Red Communist China. They escorted her out and wouldn't even let her return to her room!!!! Don't tell me anyone here thinks that was ok for them to do that!!

Especially for making one comment like that and being in Vegas!!! The City of Ultimate Sin and Human Depravity where Sex and Money flow like Water. I mean Drunken lowlife degenerate A-Holes get better treatment than that.

It's a Travesty!!! It's a Sham!!! It's a Mockery!!!
It's a Travishamockery!!!!

Honestly though, that was way out of line and another disgusting event in America, that recently seems to be taking on the mindset of Dictators, Tyrants, Neo-Con Nazi's and similar scum.

1) Celebrities deserve freedom of speech just like you and I.

2) People in the audience deserve it as well.

3) There are certain limitations to freedom of speech. For example: Any employee of the New York State government is permitted to hang pictures up in their office or cubicle, but those pictures are not supposed to be outside of their space. Why? Because you are there to work, not advertise. You can believe in whatever you want, support whomever you want, and shout out whatever you want, but not on their dollar.

Simply put it depends on the venue. When I'm paying $100 a ticket to go see my favorite band perform what is it that I'm there for? To experience their music live and in person.

Many people see the entertainment industry as the greatest way to escape from the evils of society, to escape from constant threats and fears and misfortunes. If a person (famous or not) is being paid to entertain, well then that is what they are supposed to do. No one paid all that money to go see the same garbage they see on the news daily. No one paid all that money to hear more Bush and Kerry and Moore and Iraq and 9/11 babble. They paid to see and listen to music.

If an entertainer takes advantage of their position on stage it is up to the fans to react how they wish (they do have freedom of speech too) and up to the people paying the entertainer to decide whether or not that person is keeping their end of the bargain to entertain, or rather using their venue for their own personal reasons.

Were this a benefit concert the story would be different. Were this a DNC fundraiser the story would be different. Were this a United for Peace and Justice rally the story would be different. At those venues one expects to hear political rhetoric from all involved. That's what you came for, that's what you'll see.

On the other hand most celebrities think nothing applies to them anyways. These same noble people are the very ones who would not shake the average citizens hand without having a bottle of Purell handy. Most of them feel that they are above the average citizen due to their social status and they have established themselves as self proclaimed authorities on everything.

If I go to movie, I am paying to see a movie, a concert - to hear music, an award show - to honor performers.

Hollywood, the music industry and the sports industry are things that people turn to as an escape from the daily grind, and a place to go where nothing is wrong. I'm not referring to Linda Ronstadt here specifically but as a general rule I believe that if the entertainer no longer is focused on entertaining the money and the fans will go elsewhere. We have enough political loudmouths in this country already. Stick to what you're good at.

[edit on 7-23-2004 by Djarums]

What would people have said had she been on stage and said something like "God bless George Bush and all that he is doing for our country and the war on terrorism?" Its ok for a celeb to say something nice about Bush but if they say anything bad about him then its a case of "they have no right to say that."

I'm talking people in general. This isn't aimed at anyone here.

Originally posted by Indy
What would people have said had she been on stage and said something like "God bless George Bush and all that he is doing for our country and the war on terrorism?" Its ok for a celeb to say something nice about Bush but if they say anything bad about him then its a case of "they have no right to say that."

I'm talking people in general. This isn't aimed at anyone here.

I maintain, its any political message. Now if its Suzane Vega, or Joan Biez, the political message is alread woven into thier performance. Im tlking about anybody who gets up on thier bully pulpit and preaches to the audience.

The thread was not directed at Linda R. per say, more towards the trend of celebs pontificating while they are perfoming. One poster made a good point, what makes them feel that they are experts on a particular subject? Have you ever seen some of the actors be interviewed when they do not have a prepared script? Not the sharpest tool in the shed by a long shot.

No, they can take any side they want, and always have! We just need to remember that they are not experts of any kind on most subjects and ignore the parts that don't make sense.

That way we can still kick back and enjoy the show, which is why we are there to begin with.

Yeah they mumble and stumble and put something together a 10th grader could come up with. Agreed its probably a manager writing this garbage.

From a personal standpoint I have a lot of trouble listening to moral lectures coming from a group of people that don't know the difference between chicken and fish, don't find anything wrong with making regular human beings work like slaves to make sure there are no - GASP - brown M&M's in the candy bowl, and feel fine storming through lines at restaurants shouting "DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM, I DEMAND A SEAT NOW". Sorry... people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

You have to admit most of these celebrities aren't in any position to lecture anyone else about human relations and the treatment of others... agreed?

Which celebrity was it who fired an assistant for looking directly at her face?

Originally posted by Djarums
From a personal standpoint I have a lot of trouble listening to moral lectures coming from a group of people that don't know the difference between chicken and fish, don't find anything wrong with making regular human beings work like slaves to make sure there are no - GASP - brown M&M's in the candy bowl, and feel fine storming through lines at restaurants shouting "DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM, I DEMAND A SEAT NOW". Sorry... people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

You have to admit most of these celebrities aren't in any position to lecture anyone else about human relations and the treatment of others... agreed?

Whether or not they are 'Qualified' to make some of the statements that they make is certainly up for debate. However, the most certainly are in the position to do so and are practically being begged, if not paid, to do so.

Think about it. People are obsessed with famous people and what they have to say. That is why it's Shaq's face on McDonald's, Nike's, Dodge, etc. It's not because Shaq, or Madonna, or whoever knows a damn thing about shoes, or cars, or anything else for that matter, but because 'PEOPLE LISTEN TO WHAT THEY SAY'. That's why so many of them act like their 'Special'. People treat them like they are. Roll out the red carpet, scream their names, cry when they meet them, treat them as God's, etc. So, you see. People ASK FOR IT. HELL, THEY BEG FOR IT!!!

Like they say, be careful what you wish for, cause you might get it!!

Which celebrity was it who fired an assistant for looking directly at her face?

I keep thinking it was Stallone or someone like that, but I'm not sure.

I'm hardly famous, or anything, but I do sing in a local rock band. There are plenty of people who come to our shows, maybe around a hundred or so. This is my view of it.

When I play a show, I am there to play my songs for my fans, and connect with them that way. Back when the war first started, at the beginning of each show I would say something to the effect of, "Before we get this show started, we'd like to play this for our brothers and sisters in Iraq." Then my lead guitarist would play the national anthem, and then we'd perform 3 Doors Down's "When I'm Gone" which they dedicated to our troops, and is a good song, too.

My personal views never came on stage with me. I don't like Bush, and I don't think we should be at war, but I know that the troops over there are doing what their commanders tell them to do, and I support them, and want them all home safely, even if I don't agree with the people that put them there or the actions they may be ordered to take.

I think when a performer gets on stage, it's about the performance. NOw, if Linda had written a song that was about Michael Moore, or whatever, and had said "This one is for Mike." that's one thing, but she didn't. I've never thought that just because there's a mic in front of me, I should say whatever I want to say, I want to do what I love most: performing, and that's all I should worry about doing. People pay to hear the music, not my views on the world.

So tell me, would it have been OK for Linda to have written a song about Michael Moore and what she thinks of him? Or does the fact that she hasn't previously written or sung political songs mean that she is barred from ever doing so for the duration of her career?

Those of you who are opposed to musical performers voicing their personal beliefs during their shows, do realize that ALL songs are derived from the author's personal experiences and beliefs, don't you?

Unless the performer is a corporate sell-out, everything they sing about is a reflection of their thoughts, on some level. Every time they put on a concert, they are using their show as a platform to share those thoughts with their audience.

If a "fan" wants a sterile performance, where they can control what songs they hear, they can buy a cd. If they want to go and see a real person play and sing from the heart, they must expect them ,also, to speak from the heart.

If a fan doesn't agree or appreciate something a entertainer has to say, then that fan will know not to attend future performances. It doesn't mean the fan deserves a refund of the ticketprice or that they are justified in acting like a bunch of baboons, defacing the venue's posters of the performer and such.

Performers have every right to speak their mind and their listening audience has the right to disagree with them, but that should be as far as it goes. Unless the entertainer, who the audience has paid to see, goes off on a lengthy tirade about something, instead of performing the show they had promised. Then the audience would be justified in seeking a refund for their tickets.

If the singer or musician(s) fulfills their obligations to their audience, but also says or does something that the audience isn't expecting, big deal! That's the risk you take when you choose to see a real, live human being, instead of just listening to them on the stereo.

If I were a performer and someone tried to tell me I couldn't speak my mind, if I wanted to play on their stage, I would tell them to go straight to hell, as would any artist with an ounce of integrity and self-respect.

I find it interesting that in our democracy we denounce the expression of individual political opinions on our entertainment stages, our sports venues, our schools, and even our comic strips. Why is one person�s opinion so threatening? Any emotional reaction beyond a passionate �I disagree� suggests something far more sinister in our cultural �democratic� psyche. Do we really want our democracy packaged in �approved� venues of release? Whether conservative or liberal, look at what has happened to our print and television news media. They are becoming nothing more than carefully scripted extensions of political party agendas (and when they aren�t doing that, they are frothing at the mouth over the latest tabloid �news� stories that hardly anyone can argue is news). Shall we leave the expression of thought to those institutions only? I think not.

Theoretically, the beauty of a capitalistic, democratic society is its relatively minor interference with one�s ability to express an opinion by his words, his actions, or by where he spends his dollar.

Are we really hell-bent on cannibalizing our democratic, capitalistic values? Be careful what you wish for folks! You might just get it.

I never said they shouldn't be able to, I said that I don't feel it's the right venue for it. I'm there to play my songs and speak about them, and you're there to hear those songs and what I have to say about them. If you write songs about politics and satire, then by all means, speak about them. I'm just saying that I, as a performer, don't do it. To each his own, but entertainment is there for entertainment, politics is about politicking.

NO! While they certainly have every right to their opinion...it shouldn't be done while they are working (performing) I am limited as to what I can and can not say to the general public while working, as are most people. I don't think it's the right time to do such things. People have paid money to see a particular performance, not hear their political views. If tjat's what they wanted, they would of paid to be in a different venue, not someplace to hear music.