Here's hoping

[Englander]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/comment/0,10551,1328054,00.html

Bobby Gillespie
Friday October 15, 2004
The Guardian

Why I'm playing Britain's first major gig for Palestine

>>Tomorrow our band Primal Scream, together with Spiritualized and some other special guests, are playing in London for the children of Palestine. As far as I know, it's the first time that a benefit gig has been staged on this scale in Britain for the Palestinian people.

>>It is often said that the Palestinian issue is so difficult and sensitive that it's better not to get involved. But the truth is, it's not. It's easy. There is no shortage of musicians ready to show their support for the Palestinians at this time in their struggle. Ian Brown, Super Furry Animals, Mogwai, Peter Doherty, Massive Attack (3D is DJing) and many others wanted to join us, but couldn't because of other commitments

>>The truth is that most people can see what is taking place on the ground in the Middle East. And they can see who needs our support. Everyone knows who is under the boot and who's got the mouthful of broken glass. The Palestinians are a prisoner nation, refugees and exiles treated like ghosts. Now we want them to feel our solidarity.

>>The band has been wanting to do this for a long time. We are all so upset and appalled with what is going on there. Of course, we're not the first musicians in this country to try to use our music to help those who need support. John Lennon used his name and money to oppose the Vietnam war and support the workers on strike. If Lennon were still on this earth, he'd be doing Palestine. In fact, he'd be rocking the Brixton Academy tomorrow night.<<



Bobby Gillespie is the lead singer with Primal Scream; the concert, Hoping for Palestine, is at the Brixton Academy tomorrow at 8pm