Bring the Noise
Public Enemy one of few bands outspoken on Iraq.
By Wells Dunbar, 10:01AM, Mon. Mar. 19, 2007
Ahh … as much fun as South by Southwest is, I always think my favorite moment is when it's over and life returns to (somewhat) normal.
A few thoughts: While I'm sure a lot of registrants could give a damn about international politics on their scenester version of spring break, it seemed that this Festival tried their damnedest to drag them there, one way or the other. The most obvious example is the anti-war rally at the Capitol and City Hall on Saturday, commemorating the fourth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq. But another, little-noted one was the free show Friday at Auditorium Shores. After running through a blistering opener containing of several of their classics, Public Enemy then segued into "Son of a Bush," complete with the following chant: "Fuck George Bush, Fuck Dick Cheney, Fuck Tony Blair, Fuck Condoleeza!"
Even if the sound wasn't the best, and Chuck D's Howard Cosell vox got winded occasionally, there was still something undeniable about it. Especially since most music is silent, or at best, oblique, about Iraq.
Got something to say on the subject? Send a letter to the editor.
A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.
Kate X Messer, Nov. 3, 2014
Kate X Messer, Oct. 7, 2013
Michael King, Jan. 6, 2020
Richard Whittaker, Dec. 23, 2009
Politics, War & Peace, Public Enemy, Protest
