CLEVELAND (AP) — Eagles keyboardist and guitarist Joe Walsh says he's pulling out of a Cleveland summer concert he thought would be a nonpartisan event for veterans' families because it's actually a launch for the Republican National Convention.
Walsh says in an emailed statement he's "very concerned about the rampant vitriol, fear-mongering and bullying coming from the current Republican campaigns." He says he "cannot in good conscience endorse the Republican party in any way."
The concert is scheduled for July 18. The Republican National Convention is scheduled for July 18-21 at Cleveland's Quicken Loans Arena.
Walsh said Wednesday he's sorry for any fans or veterans and their families he might disappoint. He promises to look at doing a veterans-related benefit concert later this year.
A convention spokeswoman hasn't returned an email seeking comment.
I'm sick and tired of these rock and rollers exhibiting politics and forcing their personal views on their fans, oh wait, that is the way it has been from the beginning, that is the essence of rock and roll, never mind, I'm just sick and tired of everything.
I didn't know he played keyboard.
I'm sick and tired of these rock and rollers exhibiting politics and forcing their personal views on their fans, oh wait, that is the way it has been from the beginning, that is the essence of rock and roll, never mind, I'm just sick and tired of everything.
Wouldn't forcing a view be more along the lines of playing a show that had overtly political content within? How is not playing a show at all forcing anything on anyone?
I forgot to put a smiley face on my reply, oops.
Just assume every reply I make has a smiley face or wink, in case I forget in the future.
😉
I forgot to put a smiley face on my reply, oops.
Just assume every reply I make has a smiley face or wink, in case I forget in the future.
😉
😮
[Edited on 4/23/2016 by michaelsio]
Joe's too concerned with politics. Remember when he ran for President, or tried to, his platform was "put a guitarist in the White House" and people thought it was a joke, but he was serious, he wanted to be President.
Musicians, like everyone else, have opinions (and a-holes too as one musician noted). The thing is they are no more important than anyone else, so them thinking that their not doing concerts because they object to what is going on in that city, state and that will change things is just ego talking. The belief that they are big and important and their bowing out a performance can effect change is pure EGO. It can be likened to the disgruntled children at baseball practice who complain that they are not given the position they want and when they push the issue are told, take your ball and go home the game goes on without you.
If they want to organize, join like minded people and groups, do benefit concerts or whatever to effect change fine, but punishing fans and local town revenues by not appearing does not effect change on a large scale.
[Edited on 4/23/2016 by gina]
Back 2008 they tried to trick Dickey into playing a GOP event.and he basically gave the same response but with a lot more UMPH if ya know what I mean.
So too are a number of GOP Senators and Representatives.
Joe's too concerned with politics. Remember when he ran for President, or tried to, his platform was "put a guitarist in the White House" and people thought it was a joke, but he was serious, he wanted to be President.
Musicians, like everyone else, have opinions (and a-holes too as one musician noted). The thing is they are no more important than anyone else, so them thinking that their not doing concerts because they object to what is going on in that city, state and that will change things is just ego talking. The belief that they are big and important and their bowing out a performance can effect change is pure EGO. It can be likened to the disgruntled children at baseball practice who complain that they are not given the position they want and when they push the issue are told, take your ball and go home the game goes on without you.
If they want to organize, join like minded people and groups, do benefit concerts or whatever to effect change fine, but punishing fans and local town revenues by not appearing does not effect change on a large scale.
[Edited on 4/23/2016 by gina]
Well, it truly is Joe's choice. And "choice" is a word that doesn't fit well within the GOP.
I always liked Joe for who he is, what he stands for, and for his very good musicianship.
I'm sick and tired of these rock and rollers exhibiting politics and forcing their personal views on their fans, oh wait, that is the way it has been from the beginning, that is the essence of rock and roll, never mind, I'm just sick and tired of everything.
Wouldn't forcing a view be more along the lines of playing a show that had overtly political content within? How is not playing a show at all forcing anything on anyone?
Joe is certainly capable of making his own decisions and then standing by them. Good for him. While I agree that with this choice he is forcing nothing, nada, zilch on anyone, it is however a nice little show of exhibiting politics....