2008 Woodie Awards
Bands unite against Bush
Anti-Flag, Mike Park, and others urge people to get out and vote
Cory Pittman
Issue date: 10/1/04 Section: No Limits
- Page 1 of 1
The "Rock Against Bush Tour," organized by the band Anti-Flag, made its way through California recently, stopping at The Fillmore in San Francisco Sept. 21.
The featured bands were Anti-Flag, Midtown, The Nightwatchman, Strike Anywhere, The Epoxies, and Mike Park.
In large, the concert presented plenty of political facts dealing with the upcoming presidential election in November.
Though the night was home to some aggressive punk rock music, two acoustic sets were seen during the evening-the first by Mike Park, who also promoted his organization, Plea For Peace. The second set was by The Nightwatchman, which is Tom Morello, ex- Rage Against the Machine guitarist, who is currently playing in Audioslave.
The Fillmore, a small venue with a history of being a gathering place for young people, filled to the brim with anxious fans throughout the over four-hour-long show.
During the day, the tour bus, (with a large mural of President George W. Bush covering his ears painted on it) could be seen in front of the venue, along with a line of people waiting for the doors to open.
The concert was largely in promotion of getting young people to vote. It was mentioned numerous times throughout every set during the night, that voting was considered an important responsibility of the people.
Tables were set up where people could register to vote if they hadn't already.
Also promoted at the show, were organizations like Rock the Vote, and Punk Voter, which encouraged young people to vote.
Although it was obvious that Bush was not in high favor among any of the bands, the main idea emphasized was just to vote, not to vote blindly, but to understand which candidate best suits your beliefs, and which one you believe benefits people the most.
There was a true sense of unity throughout the show, where the bands tried to communicate with the audience on a personal level. Anti-Flag even jumped down to the front rail after the show for a few minutes to greet fans, and thank them for attending.
A common point mentioned throughout the evening was the sympathy they have for those in Iraq, and the many who have died there.
It was made clear they are concerned about the people in authority who abuse their power for the gain of only themselves.
It was the opinion of the bands that it doesn't matter who is in office; that type of attitude will always exist to some extent.
The appreciation of the audience could be easily seen. Ranging from the two-finger peace sign, to the "One-Term President," and "Not My President" T-shirts, the sentiment of making your voice heard was shared by all who attended.
With more tour dates scheduled, Anti-Flag and the rest of the crew will be continuing on the road almost until Nov. 2, when the race will be decided. The "Rock Against Bush Tour" intends to make sure many young voters will register as possible.
The featured bands were Anti-Flag, Midtown, The Nightwatchman, Strike Anywhere, The Epoxies, and Mike Park.
In large, the concert presented plenty of political facts dealing with the upcoming presidential election in November.
Though the night was home to some aggressive punk rock music, two acoustic sets were seen during the evening-the first by Mike Park, who also promoted his organization, Plea For Peace. The second set was by The Nightwatchman, which is Tom Morello, ex- Rage Against the Machine guitarist, who is currently playing in Audioslave.
The Fillmore, a small venue with a history of being a gathering place for young people, filled to the brim with anxious fans throughout the over four-hour-long show.
During the day, the tour bus, (with a large mural of President George W. Bush covering his ears painted on it) could be seen in front of the venue, along with a line of people waiting for the doors to open.
The concert was largely in promotion of getting young people to vote. It was mentioned numerous times throughout every set during the night, that voting was considered an important responsibility of the people.
Tables were set up where people could register to vote if they hadn't already.
Also promoted at the show, were organizations like Rock the Vote, and Punk Voter, which encouraged young people to vote.
Although it was obvious that Bush was not in high favor among any of the bands, the main idea emphasized was just to vote, not to vote blindly, but to understand which candidate best suits your beliefs, and which one you believe benefits people the most.
There was a true sense of unity throughout the show, where the bands tried to communicate with the audience on a personal level. Anti-Flag even jumped down to the front rail after the show for a few minutes to greet fans, and thank them for attending.
A common point mentioned throughout the evening was the sympathy they have for those in Iraq, and the many who have died there.
It was made clear they are concerned about the people in authority who abuse their power for the gain of only themselves.
It was the opinion of the bands that it doesn't matter who is in office; that type of attitude will always exist to some extent.
The appreciation of the audience could be easily seen. Ranging from the two-finger peace sign, to the "One-Term President," and "Not My President" T-shirts, the sentiment of making your voice heard was shared by all who attended.
With more tour dates scheduled, Anti-Flag and the rest of the crew will be continuing on the road almost until Nov. 2, when the race will be decided. The "Rock Against Bush Tour" intends to make sure many young voters will register as possible.