The link between music and politics has always been apparent. Folk songs such as “We shall overcome,” used during the time of The Civil Rights Movement, highlight how music provides a powerful way of expressing emotions. Rock music has long held political messages supporting change and the advent of Punk Rock saw sentiments against authority reach controversial new levels. The Sex Pistols song "God Save The Queen" was banned because it was against the monarchy. Longhurst sees pop or rock as “oppositional to established values and politics” and music is used to influence people although it can be used to promote the establishment. Red Wedge, an independent organisation used popular music to promote the Labour party before the general election of 1987. Popular music can achieve political change with some success. This was seen in 1984 when Bob Geldof created Band Aid and used popular music to raise money and awareness, where Government policies were failing.
A nicely expressed and well argued post.
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