It was announced that popular artists from all genres are going to be touring to raise money for the unseating of President Bush. What do you think, good idea or bad?
I know we live in America where Freedom of Speech is a big issue, but let's be honest, do you really want to go to a concert where the artist feels like they need to shove their political views down your throat? For myself, the answer is no, if I am going to pay good money to see someone whose music I enjoy, I don't really care who they vote for or how they feel about the opponent. It sometimes really irritates me how much these celebrities think we care what they think. They aren't being paid for their opinions, they are being paid to entertain. The definition of entertain is "To hold the attention of with something amusing or diverting."
If the purpose of the artists on tour is clear, that's fine, it gives the concert goer a chance to make the decision whether they want to attend or not. But when you have artists taking the stage to sing and then go into a political speech or rant, such as Linda Ronstandt was reported as doing in Las Vegas during a concert, that is crossing the line in this fans opinion. Just as Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks, while in London a few years ago, did when she announced that they were ashamed President Bush was from Texas and then proceeded to attack Toby Keith for his views. Doesn't Free Speech go both ways?
The "Vote For Change" concerts are scheduled for the week of October 1st to the 8th and include Bruce Springstein and the E Street Band, The Dixie Chicks, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, The Dave Matthews Band and more.
| Date | Star | City/State
Date Star City/State |
| 8/1/2004 | Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band / R.E.M. / John Fogerty / Bright Eyes | Philadelphia, PA |
| 8/2/2004 | Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band / R.E.M. / John Fogerty / Bright Eyes | Cleveland, OH |
| 8/3/2004 | Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band / R.E.M. / John Fogerty / Bright Eyes | Ann Arbor, MI |
| 8/5/2004 | Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band / R.E.M. / John Fogerty / Bright Eyes | St. Paul, MN |
| 8/8/2004 | Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band / R.E.M. / John Fogerty / Bright Eyes | Orlando, FL |
| 8/1/2004 | Dave Matthews Band / Jurassic 5 / My Morning Jacket | State College, PA |
| 8/2/2004 | Dave Matthews Band / Jurassic 5 / My Morning Jacket | Dayton, OH |
| 8/3/2004 | Dave Matthews Band / Jurassic 5 / My Morning Jacket | Detroit, MI |
| 8/6/2004 | Dave Matthews Band / Jurassic 5 / My Morning Jacket | Ames, IA |
| 8/8/2004 | Dave Matthews Band / Jurassic 5 / My Morning Jacket | Gainesville, FL |
| 8/1/2004 | Dixie Chicks / James Taylor | Pittsburgh, PA |
| 8/2/2004 | Dixie Chicks / James Taylor | Cleveland, OH |
| 8/3/2004 | Dixie Chicks / James Taylor | Detroit, MI |
| 8/5/2004 | Dixie Chicks / James Taylor | Iowa City, IA |
| 8/6/2004 | Dixie Chicks / James Taylor | St. Louis, MO |
| 8/8/2004 | Dixie Chicks / James Taylor | Tampa Bay, FL |
| 8/1/2004 | Jackson Browne / Bonnie Raitt / Keb' Mo' | Williamsport, PA |
| 8/2/2004 | Jackson Browne / Bonnie Raitt / Keb' Mo' | TBA |
| 8/3/2004 | Jackson Browne / Bonnie Raitt / Keb' Mo' | Grand Rapids, MI |
| 8/5/2004 | Jackson Browne / Bonnie Raitt / Keb' Mo' | Kansas City, MO |
| 8/6/2004 | Jackson Browne / Bonnie Raitt / Keb' Mo' | Des Moines, IA |
| 8/8/2004 | Jackson Browne / Bonnie Raitt / Keb' Mo' | Jacksonville, FL |
| 8/1/2004 | John Mellencamp / Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds | Wilkes-Barre, PA |
| 8/2/2004 | John Mellencamp / Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds | Cincinnati, OH |
| 8/3/2004 | John Mellencamp / Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds | Kalamazoo, MI |
| 8/5/2004 | John Mellencamp / Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds | Milwaukee, WI |
| 8/8/2004 | John Mellencamp / Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds | Miami, FL |
| 8/1/2004 | Pearl Jam / Death Cab for Cutie | Reading, PA |
| 8/2/2004 | Pearl Jam / Death Cab for Cutie | Toledo, OH |
| 8/3/2004 | Pearl Jam / Death Cab for Cutie | St. Louis, MO |
| 8/5/2004 | Pearl Jam / Death Cab for Cutie | St. Louis, MO |
| 8/6/2004 | Pearl Jam / Death Cab for Cutie | Asheville, NC |
| 8/8/2004 | Pearl Jam / Death Cab for Cutie | Kissimmee, FL |
