You may have noticed the strong outpouring of support by musicians for Barack Obama. Every day there's another announcement of a band or musician taking up the vote-for-change call. Today's news was that James Taylor would be doing a handful of swing state shows.
There isn't a lot of industry support for the other side, but two acts that have been known to lean Republican are ZZ Top and Brooks & Dunn, the latter having played the Republican Convention in 2004.
When they appeared together at the Post-Gazette Pavilion Wednesday night, I sat there waiting for some political bombshell to drop, figuring it would most likely be Brooks or Dunn. I've seen the left-leaning artists - from CSNY to Bruce to Anti-Flag - do it dozens of times, usually generating roars of approval and smattering of boos and cat-calls.
What would happen at a mixed rock 'n' roll/country show if Kix came out for McCain? Could be iffy.
Well, it didn't happen. Both bands put entertainment over politics, and that seemed to be a good choice. Brooks and Dunn did a tribute to the troops during "Only in America" with Marines on stage saluting and a burst of red, white and blue streamers. It sure looked like a Republican convention.
Both sides have notably used "Only in America" in their campaigns, and we haven't really heard Brooks and/or Dunn take a side. Just this statement by Brooks in August: "Seems ironic that the same song Bush used at the Republican convention last election would be used by Obama and the Democrats now. Very flattering to know our song crossed parties and potentially inspires all Americans."
Sounds like Brooks & Dunn are the kind of gentlemen who can cross the aisle.
Comment below, or register to comment
Posted
Oct 16 2008, 01:50 PM
by
Scott Mervis