World politics have always been complicated. And there have always been cruel, dictatorial regimes that have committed horrible atrocities to their people and other groups. The one thing that has changed is the awareness of these oppressive governments, as social media has allowed people to not just hear more about them, but see images, videos and testimonies of the horrors committed. In these places, it is usually the government, militaries and police that are the perpetrators, and the average citizens who are the victims. So the question today is, what roles should touring musicians play in protesting these criminal states, if any?
Most recently, the band having to reckon with this question is the massive group Imagine Dragons. The multi-multi-platinum band, best known for hits like “Radioactive” and “Believer”, as well as raising awareness for LGBTQ causes here in America (especially in their home of Utah), have come under fire for their planned concert in Azerbaijan, a country run by a genocidal dictatorship. Firing the first shot at them was frontman of System of a Down, and activist Serj Tankian. In a post shared on his Instagram (see the image on the right), he discusses his plea to the band to not play in the country, and the lack of response he received. As of this writing, Imagine Dragons‘ camp had not replied nor canceled the show.
Tankian’s passion for this cause is admirable. Putting a spotlight on dictatorships like this is a first-step in forcing their hands to stop their crimes and for forcing change. And while I am far from knowledgeable about everything happening in that part of the world, I wonder if a band playing in the country for its people is equatable with support for the regime? Does it “white wash” it, as Tankian says in his letter? If the band were playing a private show for those in the government who committed the crimes, just for an easy paycheck, then that would certainly be despicable, but as far as I’m aware, that is not the case. They are playing a show for citizens of the country.
Yes, it’s likely the more well-off citizens who are not suffering under the genocidal fist of the country’s leader, but I don’t think Tankian nor anyone in the Dragons can know if those attending the show are responsible for any of the crimes those in the country are accused of. So would the band not playing the country really be a punishment for the government, or just the citizens in the country looking to have a good time (or course, the band’s haters would say them playing there would be the punishment, lol)? The band playing there likely brings in commerce and potentially supplies jobs to people who need them. And if the band has any charitable plans for the country, that could be even better.
But perhaps it’s denying the people in the country the pleasure of having an American rock band play for them which could influence them to have their government make a change? How much influence do you think that has on a genocidal dictatorship?
Another recent example of the conflict created when bands play in problematic countries came up thanks to The 1975‘s Matt Healy. During a festival performance in Malaysia, a Muslim country that outlaws LGBTQ practices, Healy spoke out against the country’s rules in his normal cheeky way, before publicly kissing his bandmate. The act not only got the band banned from the country, but also led to the entire festival being canceled. While here in the west, many initial reactions to Healy’s act were viewed positively as a righteous protest against a regime that takes away the rights of a vulnerable population. But hearing from members of the LGBTQ community, Healy likely did much more harm than good. Aside from being accused of having a “white savior” complex, it was rightfully pointed out that their thoughtlessness around the issue led to local musicians being robbed of a chance to perform at the canceled festival, vendors and local business losing money, and that the act could potentially incite the government to crack down even harder on LGBTQ citizens.
Soon after this, political rock band Muse also made headlines as they removed the song “We Are Fucking Fucked” from their set list before playing in Kuala Lumpur. At first, the media seemed to portray the band as backing down from a fight, caving to the authorities to be able to play the show. If this was the case, would it not still be okay? Don’t the citizens of Malaysia deserve to be entertained and have a good time, even if their government sucks? I know many in America would have been sad and angry if a foreign band they loved had refused to play here due to their dislike of our former leader.
And Muse didn’t cave. They were practical and switched to a less outwardly offensive yet far more defiant (and musically better) song, “Resistance“. They sent out a message of love to the people without getting banned or robbing their fans of the experience of seeing them. Perhaps Imagine Dragons can find a way to do the same thing in Azerbaijan – find a way to bring joy to the people there, support the locals while not condoning the atrocities of the country’s leaders?
It’s hard to say, and there may be no right answer to this. Those with influence and power should always try to use it to fight for the oppressed. But a rock band’s job is to play music for people – should we expect them to always be part of the resistance too? I’m of the mindset that we shouldn’t attack those who don’t live up to our standards, or else we risk turning potential allies into enemies. Music can be a salve on peoples’ wounds, and I’m sure many in these countries are in need of some joy that bands can bring. What do you think?
Take a listen to System of a Down‘s most recent protest songs here.
The Indy Review 