LATimes' Ron Brownstein: "Springsteen Joins Anti-Bush Concert Tour"

[flpoljunkie]

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/2004/la-080404artists_lat,0,5942064.story

Springsteen Joins Anti-Bush Concert Tour

The rocker will be among more than 20 artists performing shows in nine battleground states in October. They hope to raise money for Democratic campaign efforts and to sway voters toward Kerry.


By Ronald Brownstein, Times Staff Writer


NEW YORK — Directly entering partisan politics for the first time, rock icon Bruce Springsteen will join a loose coalition of high-profile musicians in an unprecedented early October concert blitz aimed at mobilizing opposition to President Bush.

The concert tour ranks among the most ambitious efforts ever by entertainers of any kind to influence the outcome of a presidential race. The effort, announced this morning, will send over 20 artists to perform more than 34 shows in nine battleground states during a single week in early October, hoping to not only raise money but attract publicity and sway voters.

<>"I think it's important to speak in a measured voice," said Springsteen, whose closest previous brush with partisan politics occurred when he chided then-President Reagan for associating with his music in the 1984 campaign.

"We want respect for the office of the presidency," Springsteen said. "We don't want to be Bush bashers. We are Bush questioners, is the way I would put it."

"Do I think we are going to get bashed?" said Springsteen. "Sure, in this political season, that's coming. But I have written about very basic American principles for 25 years. I wasn't kidding when we're on that stage. And there are particular moments when you have to , 'This is the moment when you take your place on the playing field and the chips are going to fall where they may.'



 

Recording artists who make up "Vote for Change" include, from left, Pearl Jam's Stone Gossard, Boyd Tinsley of the Dave Matthews Band, Jackson Browne, Martie Maguire of the Dixie Chicks, Steven Van Zandt from Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Dave Matthews, Bruce Springsteen, Emily Robison of the Dixie Chicks, Patti Scialfa of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, Bonnie Raitt, Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie, John Mellencamp, Nick Harmer of Death Cab for Cutie, and R.E.M's Mike Mills. AP Photo

[blm]

1. I'm hoping Springsteen and Fogerty do a remake of Fortunate Son and

perform it together at the concert. That would make for a HUGE MONSTER HIT and a GREAT VIDEO.

[coloradodem2005]

3. That would be awesome. Is Fogarty in that picture?

n/t

[roguevalley]

2. I recognize some of them. Bonny, Little Steven. I can't tell from the

picture. Is John going to be there? Excellent.

[coloradodem2005]

4. The guy right behind Bruce on the right is Dave Matthews...

...I think. And I think I see the Dixie Chicks in that picture too.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

5. Well, he's the Boss, right?

I will do as the Boss says and vote for Kerry.

[THUNDER HANDS]

6. I can make out

From left to right:

Pearl Jam's Stone Gossard
Boyd Tinsley of the Dave Matthews Band
Jackson Browne
Martie Maguire of the Dixie Chicks
Steven Van Zandt
Dave Matthews
Bruce
Emily Robison of the Dixie Chicks
Patti Scialfa
Eddie Vedder
Bonnie Raitt
someone i don't know
John Mellencamp
someone else I don't know
and R.E.M's Mike Mills.

[flpoljunkie]

7. Photo now shows caption.