Jethro Tull Banned Over Flag Criticism

moe.ron · #1 11-13-2003, 01:40 PM

Band Banned Over Flag Criticism

(CBS) Jethro Tull is off the playlist of a classic rock station after the band's frontman criticized displays of the Stars and Stripes.

"I hate to see the American flag hanging out of every bloody station wagon, out of every SUV, every little Midwestern house in some residential area," Ian Anderson was quoted as saying in an interview published Sunday in the Asbury Park Press. "It's easy to confuse patriotism with nationalism. Flag waving ain't gonna do it."

The verdict from listeners of WCHR-FM's "The Free Beer & Hot Wings Morning Show" was swift.

"The reaction of our audience has been 99 percent in favor of the ban and 99 percent incredulous that he would say such stupid things," said Phil LoCascio, WCHR program director and on-air personality. "He is a smart guy. As far as we're concerned, this ban is forever."

He said the ban isn't censorship because "our listeners' right to ask us not to play the music is equal to his right to say what he wants."

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/...in583423.shtml

33girl · #2 11-13-2003, 01:47 PM

How ridiculous. Ian Anderson actually has a brain...apparently some of the people who don't are offended. I too hate to see the flag hanging out of cars, because it ends up looking like crap.

If you're going to display the flag, display it PROPERLY.

OrigamiTulip · #3 11-13-2003, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by moe.ron

He said the ban isn't censorship because "our listeners' right to ask us not to play the music is equal to his right to say what he wants."

Radio stations use corporate-generated playlists. Listener's rights have never been taken into consideration before. This is just a BS excuse on the part of the station to justify their reaction.

And FWIW - I completely agree with Ian Anderson. Americans far too often confuse patriotism and nationalism.

WCUgirl · #4 11-13-2003, 01:56 PM

You know, I just don't understand why people get upset about one entertainer saying one thing, but not upset at another entertainer who says another thing that's just as bad, if not worse.

For example, everyone got mad and banned the Dixie Chicks because of what they said. However, Johnny Depp (I think I've got the right guy - the one from Pirates of the Caribbean) made a pretty rude statement and both his movies did well this summer. No one mentioned anything about banning his movies (at least not that I heard of anyways) - in fact, I didn't even really see any negative press about the incident. I just don't get it.

I dunno...I'm just venting a little I guess. Not trying to piss anyone off or bring up a "hot topic" - just wanted to give my two cents.

33girl, my husband would completely agree with you on that point (about the flags being hung properly). He is a Marine and he gets soooo mad when people hang it wrong!

33girl · #5 11-13-2003, 02:09 PM

Here's a thread from Radio-Info (radio pros, insiders, and those interested in radio post there). Many people are saying it's a stunt. Jerseyites - do you know if this station actually plays much Tull?

http://www.radio-info.com/mods/board...75008&Board=nj

And yes AXiD670, that was Johnny Depp, and it was VERY rude. I think it is all in who says it. A lot of people think he's weird anyway, so they don't care. The Chicks, on the other hand, should have known that a lot of their fans are of a conservative bent and would get upset.

Incidentally - shameless plug time - there's a REALLY good show on CMT called "Controversy." It tells the stories of some of the country songs that have created a stir politically & socially. I really don't like country, but this show is very interesting.

http://www.cmt.com/cmt/shows/controversy.jhtml

moe.ron · #6 11-13-2003, 02:09 PM

Personally he said nothing bad. He is right that people always confused nationalism with patriotism.

bethany1982 · #7 11-13-2003, 02:45 PM

The 99 percent who support this ban are simply expressing their opinions. Some of you seem to think they are dumb for having an opinion. The wonders of free speech. Let people rip the flag, that's their right, but they should not expect others to keep silent. I recently read an article written by a liberal calling for a boycott of certain companies who support the RNC or other conservative causes. Let them call for the boycott, that's their right. Let other show support for those companies... who cares??? I'm always amazed when people complain about others who are simply expressing free speech.

damasa · #8 11-13-2003, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bethany1982
The 99 percent who support this ban are simply expressing their opinions. Some of you seem to think they are dumb for having an opinion. The wonders of free speech. Let people rip the flag, that's their right, but they should not expect others to keep silent. I recently read an article written by a liberal calling for a boycott of certain companies who support the RNC or other conservative causes. Let them call for the boycott, that's their right. Let other show support for those companies... who cares??? I'm always amazed when people complain about others who are simply expressing free speech.

This could be viewed as a complaint, no? I mean, the people who want Jethro banned?

I mean Jethro's frontman was expressing free speech as well, no?

bethany1982 · #9 11-13-2003, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by damasa
This could be viewed as a complaint, no? I mean, the people who want Jethro banned?

I mean Jethro's frontman was expressing free speech as well, no?

A complaint? Did they say he did not have a right to express his opinion? I don't think so. They are simply saying that they disagree. I see a huge difference here. Go out and say whatever you want to say, but don't expect anyone to feel obligated to listen to it or to listen to you in general. I don't see where the listeners expressed the view that he did not have a right to his opinion. Perhaps I missed that part.

damasa · #10 11-13-2003, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bethany1982
A complaint? Did they say he did not have a right to express his opinion? I don't think so. They are simply saying that they disagree. I see a huge difference here. Go out and say whatever you want to say, but don't expect anyone to feel obligated to listen to it or to listen to you in general. I don't see where the listeners expressed the view that he did not have a right to his opinion. Perhaps I missed that part.

You did say "I'm always amazed when people complain about others who are simply expressing free speech.."

How is it that people who don't agree with the people who support the ban are complaining while those who support the ban are simply expressing a right?

That really confuses me.

Maybe everyone is express a right to disagree rather, instead of complaining.

Either way, Jethro's frontman expressed a right. People exrpessed a right to not go along with that. Others expressed a right not to go along with a ban.

It's funny to me. Some conservatives feel that liberals should shush up and when they do speak up they are "complaining." Yet, when a conservative speaks up they are simply expressing an opinion or exercising freedom of speech. Awesome.

bethany1982 · #11 11-13-2003, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by damasa
You did say "I'm always amazed when people complain about others who are simply expressing free speech.."

How is it that people who don't agree with the people who support the ban are complaining while those who support the ban are simply expressing a right?

That really confuses me.

Maybe everyone is express a right to disagree rather, instead of complaining.

Either way, Jethro's frontman expressed a right. People exrpessed a right to not go along with that. Others expressed a right not to go along with a ban.

It's funny to me. Some conservatives feel that liberals should shush up and when they do speak up they are "complaining." Yet, when a conservative speaks up they are simply expressing an opinion or exercising freedom of speech. Awesome.

That is hilarious... turning my point into a liberal/conservative issue. Where did these listeners say that this individual could not express his opinion? All they are saying is we will not purchase a product from someone we disagree with. Personally, I don't usually support bans or boycotts, but I support the right of those who do. Everyone wants an opinion but no one seems to want to face the consequences of their opinion. Speak your mind. Have your opinion, but don't expect anyone to listen, like it, accept it, or pay for it. Of course we all know that Liberals are always open-minded and would never attempt to shut someone up... right!

Rudey · #12 11-13-2003, 03:34 PM

I think he should be shot and have his body buried in Canada.

-Rudey

bethany1982 · #13 11-13-2003, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rudey
I think he should be shot and have his body buried in Canada.

-Rudey

Ouch!

#14 11-13-2003, 03:42 PM

It's the whole damn Dixie Chicks argument all over again.

Yes, he has a right to make whatever kind of statement he wishes.

But, if his fans disagree, they have to right to boycott the band. Just because celebrities have a greater access to media and can spread their opinions easier doesn't mean they have a carte blanche with their fans.

If bruce willis came out tomorrow and said that he believed all Catholics were wrong and going to hell, that's fine, its his right, it's also my right as an American to NOT buy tickets to his movies, tell my friends what i think about him, etc.

Kitso
KS 361

GeekyPenguin · #15 11-13-2003, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 33girl
Incidentally - shameless plug time - there's a REALLY good show on CMT called "Controversy." It tells the stories of some of the country songs that have created a stir politically & socially. I really don't like country, but this show is very interesting.

http://www.cmt.com/cmt/shows/controversy.jhtml

I just went and looked at that link - I had no idea what "Independence Day" was really about. Don't really know how I missed that one.

Also, did anybody ever hear the song "Osama, your mama didn't raise you well?" It's totally irreverent but cracked me up.

-471 country songs I learned at Platteville because it was one of the only radio stations we got and one of my sisters was the FH sweetheart