Clapton Raps Rockers Bono and Geldof

SINC · Aug 25th, 2005, 10:47 AM

Finally someone with the sense to tell it like it is:

Clapton raps rockers for political meddling

Randy Boswell

Edmonton Journal, August 25, 2005

He's had rocky relationships with U2 frontman Bono and Live 8 organizer Sir Bob Geldof, but Prime Minister Paul Martin can at least claim Eric Clapton as a celebrity defender.

In excerpts from an interview with the German magazine Stern, the legendary guitar rocker takes shots at both Bono and Geldof for acting more like politicians than musicians.

He specifically criticizes Geldof's actions earlier this summer when he told Martin to increase Canada's budget for foreign aid or stay out of the Live 8 limelight.

"What gives him the right to do that?" Clapton, of Lay Down Sally and Tears in Heaven fame, told Stern. "I ask myself, if musicians should conduct themselves like politicians? They are only musicians. Where do they get the right to talk like that?"

Martin, who has learned that rock 'n' roll, like politics, is a vicious game, will likely welcome Clapton's comments after Bono recently threaten to "kick his butt" and Geldof told him to "stay home" from the G-8 summit in Scotland unless he was prepared to boost Canada's commitment to help developing countries.

Stern's complete interview with the 60-year-old Clapton is to be published today, but snippets posted Wednesday on the magazine's German-language website, and quickly reported around the world, highlighted his impatience with celebrities, such as Geldof, using their fame to push political causes.

"Does he really want to be this political leader, as he makes himself out to be?" Clapton says of Geldof, who shot from minor fame as lead singer of the Irish band Boomtown Rats to global acclaim and a knighthood as leader of the anti-famine Band Aid movement in the 1980s.

In a recent interview about his new album Back Home, Clapton said: "This album had to be about the family because what else in my life could I sing about? I don't have any interest in politics."

lpkmckenna · Aug 25th, 2005, 11:05 AM

There is nothing wrong with musicians making criticisms of politicians. Social commentary has been an element of artistic expression since the cave walls.

But the commentary really belongs IN the work, not in interviews.

Oh wait. Bob Geldof hasn't made music for years.

Really, Martin deserves being criticized by Bono. What statesman invites a rock star, who isn't even Canadian, to make a speech at a leadership convention?

rogueToe · Aug 25th, 2005, 03:25 PM

If lawyers and businessmen can become politicians, why not musicians?

lpkmckenna · Aug 25th, 2005, 05:10 PM

	Quote:			Originally Posted by rogueToe
	If lawyers and businessmen can become politicians, why not musicians?

Nothing wrong with it at all. Of course, Bono and Geldof are not politicians.

ehMax · Aug 25th, 2005, 05:14 PM

	Quote:
	Finally someone with the sense to tell it like it is:

Wow... a self serving commentary from a washed up blues man who turned the awesome classic rock song Layla, into a boring lounge song.

Tell me like it is Eric.

Rob · Aug 25th, 2005, 06:17 PM

I thought that was the whole point of democracy. We all have a right to an opinion and we should be exercising that right.

Ronnie and Ahnold have done all right for a couple of two bit actors. I don't see how Bono or Geldolf are doing much different.

It won't matter what side of the political spectrum you're on. If we all just decide to shut up and play nice then we'll know we're in a dictatorship.

If Eric doesn't agree with their opinions then he should offer some of his own. Now that would be interesting.

Moscool · Aug 25th, 2005, 06:26 PM

Hey Mr Mayor, I know that U2's blood runs in your veins, but pleeeaaaase don't compare Gawd with a pop band that turns out the odd hit

I guess that Clapton's comment was more about his lack of personal interest in politics than anything else. Bono and Geldof are in different positions: G. has been working pretty much full time on political issues for the last 20 years. In this respect Roger Moore (through his work for Unicef) has a greater political 'right' to use his fame than U2.

Bottom line for me is that it's OK for any of them to mingle into politics provided that:

- We don't get a shallow single sided story every time (à la PETA)
- Over-exposure doesn't kill the issue

I am anxiously waiting for the rocker who will have the courage to argue that globalisation is actually good for developing countries; but that is probably wishful thinking...

SINC · Aug 25th, 2005, 06:29 PM

	Quote:			Originally Posted by Moscool
	Hey Mr Mayor, I know that U2's blood runs in your veins, but pleeeaaaase don't compare Gawd with a pop band that turns out the odd hit

There isn't a member of Bono's pop band who can hold a candle to the guitar playing of Eric Clapton.

Rob · Aug 25th, 2005, 06:54 PM

I'm voting for Jimi, but he's been awful quiet for the last 35 years.

used to be jwoodget · Aug 25th, 2005, 07:07 PM

Eric Clapped-out. Another guy who should have retired when he stopped generating quality music (like the Stones). What is it with burnt-out British rockers? The first time they have to play a casino, they should quit.