The WASP’s recent presentation in New York featured a speech in which leader Blackie Lawless classified the politician as a “patriot”
Fans who attended the show hosted by WASPa cult American hard rock/heavy metal band, at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York, United States, on November 16, were surprised by a political rally by the band. Singer and guitarist Blackie Lawless gave a speech of praise donald trump and subsequently, the group began printing banners in support of the businessman and politician, recently elected president of the country.
The situation occurred before the performance of the last piece of the repertoire, “Blind in Texas”. As per website transcript ChattyLawless initially commented that he was “in the right city to make” his statement. He then recalled the creation of the American committee Music Resource Center for Parents (PMRC), which in 1985 attempted to censor songs with content deemed “controversial”, which spoke of sex, violence or drug use.
Blackie said:
“Growing up, I never imagined that I would find myself in a situation over which I had no control. Next year it will be 40 years of a situation called PMRC. And there were hearings in Washington, D.C. Frank Zappa [músico] and I spoke of the evils connected with this. Censorship is a bad thing, not just in music.”
The musician reiterated that freedom of expression is guaranteed by the First Amendment of the American Constitution. However, he believes that censorship is once again manifesting itself in society, “this time on the internet and it touches each of us”even if it does not specify the restriction in question. Citing Trump’s presence at an event at Madison Square Garden, New York, the same day the WASP concert took place in the city, he added:
“You may not know this, but right next to us, here in Madison Square Garden, is a man who has suffered assassination attempt after assassination attempt. This man has defended this country. Two things I am passionate about: the freedom of speech and being a patriot. I care about your party; you have to be a patriot, I’m willing to die for this country. [Trump] believe it too.”
In addition to the flags reading “Trump 2024” placed on the sides of the stage, WASP showed on the screen a photo of the future American president on July 13, 2024, when he was attacked during a rally in Pennsylvania. Watch the videos below.
What Blackie Lawless says about his speech
Blackie Lawless was asked about his speech during a Q&A with fans days later. The musician, who characterizes the Brazilian Priest of Eagles as WASP’s drummer and will be in the country in May to perform at the Sao Paulo Bangers Open Air festival, said the speech “It wasn’t just about Donald Trump”but yes “About the United States”.
“We thought about it for a week, whether we would do it or not. What would we do if there were consequences? I thought: it doesn’t matter if there are consequences, because when you see the censorship of the tech giants, it’s the same thing as 40 years ago with the PMRC. Now it just has a different name. The first thing every government does when it takes power is to take control of the airwaves, you can control people’s thoughts or intimidate them into speaking. “
According to Lawless, Trump has “big bronze wings” to “get through what he’s been through.” Defining the politician once again as a patriot, the musician said:
“Thomas Jefferson [terceiro presidente da história dos EUA] he said: the tree of liberty must be replaced from time to time by the blood of patriots and tyrants. And I see him as a patriot. My talk was interested in addressing two things: censorship and patriotism. If someone is willing to die for what they believe in, I have to be on their side.”
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Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
