Grenell Joins Live Nation Board

"Trump ally Richard Grenell joins Live Nation board amid antitrust probe": https://shorturl.at/20cUD

You may not be aware that Bruce Springsteen just released an EP containing his anti-Trump rant. You can listen to "Land of Hope & Dreams" here:

https://open.spotify.com/album/1wWm7MPHSIpBX7Wiw8LAAq?si=H1RId15PRsasyVwtuEsFBQ

Do I expect people to listen to what he has to say over and over again?

No, just like most people listened to Bob Dylan's "Murder Most Foul" once, if at all.

But what the posting of this EP represents...

First, oldsters are now living in the modern era. Forget the set-up, these Springsteen recordings were recorded literally one week ago, on May 14th.

Second, and even more important, is Bruce Springsteen is not backing down. Despite teams co-opting Tom Petty's anthem to their advantage, that's not the genesis nor the meaning of "I Won't Back Down." It's quite simple:

"Well I know what's right
I got just one life
In a world that keeps on pushin' me around
But I'll stand my ground
And I won't back down"

Sports teams don't care about what's right, they're constantly looking for an edge, even cheating. They're all about groupthink as opposed to the individual, whereas artistry is the opposite.

You only do have one life. And you've got the choice to do what is right, but most people are afraid of this.

And this is what we're seeing across this great nation of ours today.

Trump and his cronies don't want to play by the rules.

As a result, lawyers and corporations are blinking, afraid of consequences, especially when Ed Martin says he will shame those who can't be charged.

Which brings us to the sad case of Live Nation.

Of course the public has it wrong. They're as misinformed as those who believe the "New York Times" is anathema and One America News has it right. Live Nation and Ticketmaster are not responsible for high ticket prices, that's the province of the artist. But the artists will accept no responsibility and their fans can't believe they're at fault.

However, Live Nation has been sued by the Department of Justice and thirty state attorneys general, who are accusing the company of "monopolistic control" of live events.

So what's a poor boy to do?

If you were born in the fifties or sixties, you joined a rock and roll band. If you're younger than that, you join the bank, money is everything.

Now if you look at the Live Nation board... This is not a bastion of left wing thought, as a matter of fact, the seats controlled by Liberty and the Mays family are notoriously right wing.

But how cynical is it to hire Trump's crony who is destroying the Kennedy Center? Hell, if he was doing such a great job all those acts whose shows Live Nation presents wouldn't have pulled their dates from the legendary performing arts center!

But by putting Grenell on the board, Live Nation is not only appeasing Trump, they're hoping to tilt the playing field in their favor. Because if you get in bed with Trump things tend to go your way, like the January 6th protesters. Hell, there is even talk that Trump is going to pardon Diddy if he gets convicted.

Back in the day, before the corporatization of this business, acts and promoters were legendary for fundraisers supporting left wing candidates and causes. But not cynical, expedient Live Nation.

So who can we rely on to speak truth to power?

The same ones we relied on back then, the artists. Springsteen is speaking up and Neil Young has supported him.

The artists have power, they could refuse to perform Live Nation shows, not making new deals and claiming force majeure... Insisting that Grenell be kicked off the board before they capitulate.

Of course the acts have this power. The entire business relies on the acts, without them it's nothing, just like with the NBA and its players.

Then again, pro hoops players regularly stand up against injustice.

But today's musicians are afraid of alienating one potential customer, afraid of losing a single dollar. Do you call that an artist? No, that's a BUSINESSMAN!

Or woman.

Target's numbers just went down because of boycotting after the company's elimination of DEI policies.

The people have power and it always comes down to money.

Forget protesting in the street, just don't buy a ticket to a Live Nation show. Just like lawyers are quitting and barking back at those firms that settled with Trump.

You want change? It comes from the person on the street, who has the ultimate power.

And the people on the street take their lead from uncompromised artists.

But too many shrug their shoulders and say this is not a big deal. And then they wake up and lose all their freedom and cannot regain it. The U.S. accepted that Qatar jet, what's next?

So Bruce is doing the heavy lifting here. He's taking the risk. He's doing what an artist should. He's a beacon to not only fans, but other artists. There's power in numbers.

You don't back down, you do what's right.

And Live Nation is cynically doing what's wrong.

You want to effect change? Start here. Live Nation depends on artists and fans, without them the company is worthless.

Your move.


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