Would someone's extreme political views prevent you being in a band with them, or working with them?

[rOB]

I absolutely wouldn't want to spend my precious time with someone who holds those types of prejudices. 

[Jackroadkill]

I don't work with anyone with an agenda of hate.

[Len_derby]

This is a really interesting topic.

Personally, at the level of a ‘weekend warrior’, I don’t expect or need to be ‘mates’ with the people I play with. If someone is espousing extreme or illegal nonsense, then that’s beyond the pale. But, if what they believe doesn’t affect the working of the band and it doesn’t affect the relationship with audiences and venues, does it matter? It’ll be very sad if people with different views can’t find common ground to work together.

[godathunder]

I couldn't be in a band with anyone with views that were that offensive to me.

 

First of all, because the company that someone keeps is often a good indicator of their character and I would not wish to be presumed to be a right cnut because of someone else's opinion (besides which, there are plenty of other perfectly valid reasons to presume that about me anyway)

 

Secondly, because I find it just about impossible to keep my big mouth shut and the frequency of arguments that would result would impact badly on the productivity of this band

 

Having spent some time working in the trades (following years of work in the liberal arts), this was a frequent problem. Building sites have always featured a higher than average proportion of racists, homophobes etc that seem to feel emboldened to pass frequent comment by that setting

[soulstar89]

Interesting original question. I feel if the political view gets in the way of creation and causes a funky energy and vibe yes I wouldn’t join the band. I feel we all have different views on things in life but I hope we are mature enough to be able to agree to disagree and focus on the task at hand when it’s clear tension is building. If that’s not possible  👋🏾. 

 

 

[chris_b]

To my knowledge I have never played in a band with anyone holding far right, racist or homophobic views. Such views are abhorrent, but if they keep their opinions to themselves I don't see why I shouldn't be in a band with them. The situation would change, and I would be happy to have strong words, if they were openly expressing such nastiness.

[TimR]

It depends how vocal they are.

 

The problem is being guilty by association and being tarred with the same brush.

 

I have a couple of 'responsible postions' in the local community. I've cancelled a contract with one provider who had a director who organised a protest at an asylum hotel. 

[paul_5]

I wouldn’t gig with someone with extreme political views, and more importantly I’d tell them why - you have to call it out so that they know it’s unacceptable, otherwise they’ll just carry on until they find someone who’s prepared to accept it and never question themselves.

[Franticsmurf]

I would not want to be in a band that was associated directly (or indirectly through the views of one or more of its members) with extreme views such as the ones mentioned in the OP. Anyone who knows me knows that I avoid talking about even the less radical, everyday politics because I don't believe it is relevant to the bands I'm in and it's an easy way to begin an argument. 

 

I have severed ties with one 'friend' who turned out to (or perhaps developed over time) fairly racist views. It was a very easy decision to make and I wouldn't hesitate to do it again.

[ped]

Someone in my band has a Nissan Juke and I’m perfectly ok playing with him

[Russ]

Yes. And I have done. And it's extended further than just being in a band with people. 

 

In British terms, I'm pretty centre-left - I've voted Labour, and, on a couple of occasions, Lib Dem and Green all my adult life. In the US, that makes me practically a communist! I was in a band when we first came here with a couple of guys who were massively enthusiastic about Tr**p, so I quit. No ifs, no buts. It's a fundamental incompatibility. My current band are all more or less on my wavelength though. Three of us are immigrants, for a start!

 

I also put my foot down and insisted we turn down gig offers from a venue not too far from here that permitted a nazi/skinhead band to play there a few years back (think Skrewdriver, that sort of thing) - it's quite a well known venue and lots of bands, including touring acts, play there, but I'm not going to endorse them, or assist them in making money by taking a gig there. I was a kid living in Blackheath when the Battle Of Lewisham took place in 1977 less than a mile from us - I f**king hate fascists. The rest of the band guys didn't quite understand why I got so incensed about it, but I think I explained myself adequately. 

 

The guy who ran the venue back then apparently still owns it, but has stepped down from all booking responsibilities, so I'm wondering whether to reconsider. My instincts tell me not to. It's tarnished in my eyes.

Edited 18 minutes ago by Russ

[bassbiscuits]

I think people should be free to hold whatever opinions they want. 
 

But I won’t work in a band with someone who I find to be an objectionable d..khead, for whatever reason that may be.

 

[KingPrawn]

I can't be around people with views that are hurtful or marginalise others. Happy to have differences and others present their opinion in an informed way. If you're uninformed and following the herd, I'm not interested. I also can't work with people who are so angry and bitter that their view of 'others' can't be shifted.

[Lozz196]

Being on the Oi circuit we have to research gigs we’re offered to make sure no far right or far left bands on the bill, once you’ve played with them - even if unknowingly - you’re forever tarnished with the same brush so to speak.