It isn't very often we get to applaud musicians for their moral stance but Elvis Costello deserves a huge pat on the back for taking a stand on political grounds.
'It is after considerable contemplation that I have lately arrived at the decision that I must withdraw from the two performances scheduled in Israel on the 30th of June and the 1st of July.
I must believe that the audience for the coming concerts would have contained many people who question the policies of their government on settlement and deplore conditions that visit intimidation, humiliation or much worse on Palestinian civilians in the name of national security.
I am also keenly aware of the sensitivity of these themes in the wake of so many despicable acts of violence perpetrated in the name of liberation.
Good for him and it would be nice if a few more countries showed the same backbone in their dealings with Israel. Hopefully other entertainers will join Elvis in a boycott as they did against South Africa in the 80's and Israel will get the idea.
Now if only Costello would apologise for everything he has done since the Armed Forces album.
7 comments:
If this Elvis were to ask, I'd give him a "Federal Agent at Large" badge as well.
I think he'd do a better job than Perry Como, anyway.
I always thought Elvis should have stopped after 1980. The only thing i know about Perry Como is they used his magic moments song to advertise Quality Sweets.
I was into a bit of Elvis way back when, and I think you may be being slightly harsh... I thought 'Trust' and 'King of America' were still pretty good albums... Slim pickings since then, I admit...
Yes, it's good that he can stand on his principles, even if his principles on this matter happen to be wrong.
-Nog
Here's your chance nog. Grab a guitar, learn the words to Olivers Army and you could be wowing them in Tel Aviv.
...or if you're out of luck or out of work, we could send you to Johannesburg....
That line has kinda lost its raison d'etre now, hasn't it?
I only just realised looking at what you wrote Cheezy just how you have to fudge singing the word 'work' to get it to rhyme with 'Johannesburg'.
He could change it to 'If you're out of luck or on garden leave, we could send you to Tel Aviv' to be more topical.
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