Latest news with #LonelyHeartsClubBand
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Born to Rant: Springsteen's Truth to Power Screed Is the Rallying Cry We Need
Shakespeare knew it centuries ago: 'The lady doth protest too much, methinks.' Trump's response to Bruce Springsteen's warnings given from a stage in Manchester came quick—loud, erratic, and dripping with grievance. Was this the voice of presidential confidence, or was it the howl of a man watching the walls close in? When power is secure, it whispers. When it's scared, it shouts. And Trump's over-the-top denials say the quiet part out loud: he's terrified. — On January 19, 1967, inside the cavernous walls of Studio One at EMI's Abbey Road Studios, John Lennon and Paul McCartney sat side by side, piecing together what would become the final track of 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.' Lennon, hunched over his acoustic guitar, sang the haunting opening lines of 'A Day in the Life,' while McCartney accompanied him on piano. When he reached the line 'I'd love to turn you on,' the two young songwriters shared a knowing glance. They were fully aware that this phrase would raise eyebrows and likely provoke the BBC, who indeed banned the song for its perceived drug references. Yet, for the Beatles, this line was less about promoting drug use and more about signaling a cultural awakening — a call to consciousness that mirrored the societal shifts of the 1960s. This shift helped fuel a movement that forced the United States to abandon the war in Vietnam — unable to sustain a battle both abroad and at home, America gave in, leaving Vietnam to the Vietnamese. This moment in the studio encapsulated the Beatles' evolving role as not just musicians but as commentators on and catalysts for change. Their music was beginning to reflect a deeper engagement with the world around them, challenging norms and encouraging listeners to question not only their parents, but the status quo. This spirit of defiance is also evident in George Harrison's 'Taxman,' a biting critique of the British government's taxation policies. Frustrated by the exorbitant taxes levied on the band's earnings, Harrison channeled his discontent into a song that pulled no punches in excoriating Great Britain under Harold Wilson, laying bare the inequities of the system. 'Taxman' stands as an early example of the Beatles using their platform to address political issues, setting the stage for the more overtly socially conscious music that would follow. Fast forward through the decades, and the echoes of that Abbey Road rebellion grew louder. From the psychedelic haze of the '60s to the hard-edged protest anthems of the '70s, '80s, and beyond, artists have kept their fingers on the pulse of unrest — using music not as a soothing balm but as a blaring siren. Jimi Hendrix's 'Machine Gun' wasn't just a song; it was a searing lament for Vietnam, a raw, electrified howl of anguish that warned of the blood-soaked cost of war. The Clash's 'Guns of Brixton' captured the clenched fists and breaking glass of racial tension and economic despair in Thatcher's Britain, a warning shot fired not from a rifle, but from a Fender Precision Bass landing in a collective of record players and ricochetting in the heart of the streets, lighting torches of awareness held high by both kids and adults. Bruce Springsteen, ever the chronicler of the American condition, has long carried that torch. His 'Death to My Hometown' is a bitter reckoning with the economic devastation wrought by greed and indifference, while 'The Ghost of Tom Joad' resurrects Steinbeck's specter of the dispossessed, a haunting reminder that the struggle for dignity and justice is far from over. These songs don't just warn—they witness. They record the heartbeat of rebellion, the collective refusal to let power go unchallenged. And they remind us that music, when wielded with purpose, can shake the foundations of the 'system'. And that foundation wasn't just shaken — Bruce rocked it. On May 14, 2025, at Manchester's Co-op Live Arena, Springsteen opened his 'Land of Hope and Dreams' tour with a fiery denunciation of Donald Trump's administration, labeling it 'corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous.' He implored the audience to 'raise your voices against authoritarianism and let freedom ring,' warning that America's foundational values were under siege. He accused the administration of rolling back civil rights, stifling free speech, and aligning with dictators over democratic allies. These remarks were not offhanded—they were recorded and released days later as part of his live EP, 'Land of Hope and Dreams,' which also featured a cover of Bob Dylan's 'Chimes of Freedom,' reinforcing his message of resistance. Trump's response was swift and vitriolic. On Truth Social, he lashed out, calling Springsteen 'a pushy, obnoxious JERK' and a 'dried-out 'prune' of a rocker,' even mocking his appearance. He demanded that Springsteen 'KEEP HIS MOUTH SHUT until he gets back into the Country,' and later suggested investigating him and other artists like Beyoncé and Oprah for their support of Kamala Harris's 2024 campaign—alleging, without evidence, that they were illegally paid for endorsements. But Springsteen wasn't alone. Artists like Neil Young and Eddie Vedder rallied to his defense, denouncing Trump's attacks and affirming the importance of free expression. The American Federation of Musicians also stood in solidarity, emphasizing that musicians have the right to speak out against injustice. — In the aftermath of 9/11, musicians came together at the Concert for the Heroes — their voices unified, rallying beneath the flag of freedom. They sang not just for America, but for the shared humanity that terrorism tried to shatter. I often wonder: if Jimi Hendrix were alive, what would he have made of it all? His blistering, feedback-laden 'Star-Spangled Banner' at Woodstock wasn't just a national anthem—it was a battle cry, a raw, unflinching 'f-you' to anyone who threatened our American ideology. Today, we're fighting a different kind terrorism — one that doesn't come from distant shores, but rises from within. It erodes truth, fans the flames of hate, and chips away at the foundation of democracy itself. Who better to sound the alarm than Bruce Springsteen? His voice is the call to arms we need — a reminder that freedom isn't just a flag we wave, but a fight we must wage. The post Born to Rant: Springsteen's Truth to Power Screed Is the Rallying Cry We Need | Guest Column appeared first on TheWrap.
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
After 60 years, even Mick Jagger can finally get some satisfaction
As rock anniversaries go, 60 years is quite the milestone. Consider what the world looked like on June 4, 1965, the day (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction was released by the Rolling Stones: humanity yet to set foot on the moon, communism ruling Eastern Europe, war escalating in Vietnam, and it would be two years until the Beatles released Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction turned the big 2-0 as then UK prime minister Margaret Thatcher stared down striking coalminers in 1985, and space shuttles orbited the planet, Uluru was handed back to traditional owners and MTV took over a generation. On its 40th anniversary, in the wake of September 11, the 'Axis of Evil', Iraq and Afghanistan, we spoke of the song on the internet (that's what we called it then) and wondered how the Rolling Stones' lead singer, Mick Jagger, could still do it. Could still do anything, really. A few years later, we shared clips – originals, live performances, tributes – using these new little phones we kept in our pockets that were 100,000 times more powerful than the computer that landed that spacecraft on the moon a generation earlier. And the world kept on changing, moving, relentlessly pushing forward: Trump, COVID, more Trump. But 60 years on – we're still singing the song and humming that riff.
The Age
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Age
After 60 years, even Mick Jagger can finally get some satisfaction
As rock anniversaries go, 60 years is quite the milestone. Consider what the world looked like on June 4, 1965, the day (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction was released by the Rolling Stones: humanity yet to set foot on the moon, communism ruling Eastern Europe, war escalating in Vietnam, and it would be two years until the Beatles released Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction turned the big 2-0 as then UK prime minister Margaret Thatcher stared down striking coalminers in 1985, and space shuttles orbited the planet, Uluru was handed back to traditional owners and MTV took over a generation. On its 40th anniversary, in the wake of September 11, the 'Axis of Evil', Iraq and Afghanistan, we spoke of the song on the internet (that's what we called it then) and wondered how the Rolling Stones' lead singer, Mick Jagger, could still do it. Could still do anything, really. A few years later, we shared clips – originals, live performances, tributes – using these new little phones we kept in our pockets that were 100,000 times more powerful than the computer that landed that spacecraft on the moon a generation earlier. And the world kept on changing, moving, relentlessly pushing forward: Trump, COVID, more Trump. But 60 years on – we're still singing the song and humming that riff.
Extra.ie
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
This week in 1967: The Beatles released Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Although their previous studio album, Revolver, is now the more acclaimed, Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band is arguably The Beatles' most famous work and the one that had the most influence on the music and society of its time. It had no track breaks, a message in the run-off groove and was developed loosely from Paul McCartney's concept of an album by a fictitious band. The lyrics were printed on a lavish gatefold sleeve, with its famous front cover by Peter Blake, reflecting the tenor of the time and opening doors of both perception and excess. Having retired from touring, the band was free to use the recording studio to the ultimate, with no time or financial restrictions and limited only by their own creativity. From the suite-like 'A Day In The Life', with that long thunderous chord coaxed from a bewildered orchestra, to the alleged-and-denied drug references in 'Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds', the beautiful 'She's Leaving Home', the sentimentality of 'When I'm Sixty Four' and George Harrison's mystical wig-out 'Within You Without You', it sparked argument and amazement in equal measure. Originally, the album was to include 'Penny Lane' and 'Strawberry Fields Forever', but that didn't stop it from becoming a benchmark; the term 'their Sgt Pepper' later applied across the board to any band's supreme lifetime achievement.
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First Post
26-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
History Today: When Narendra Modi took oath as India's 15th prime minister in 2014
May 26 marks the day when Narendra Modi took charge as the 15th prime minister of India following a landslide victory in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. He took oath at a grand ceremony held in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan with over 4,000 guests and dignitaries present read more On the evening of May 26, 2014, Narendra Modi, took oath as the 15th Prime Minister of India at a grand ceremony held in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. PTI May 26 marks a turning point in India's modern political history. It was on this day in 2014 that Narendra Damodardas Modi of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took oath as India's 15th Prime Minister, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the country's leadership. His swearing-in ended a ten-year-long tenure of the Indian National Congress and signalled a major shift in the nation's politics. Interestingly, May 26 holds significance not just for Indian politics, but also in the world of music. Back in 1967, the legendary British band, The Beatles, released Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, a groundbreaking album that would go on to revolutionise rock 'n' roll music forever. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers' ongoing series, History Today will be your one-stop destination to explore key events. Here's a look at what made headlines on May 26. When Modi took oath as PM for the first time On the evening of May 26, 2014, Narendra Modi, took oath as the 15th Prime Minister of the world's largest democracy at a grand ceremony held in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. Modi's rise to power came on the back of a sweeping mandate in the 2014 general elections. The BJP secured 282 seats on its own — a majority not seen since 1984. With allies in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the total tally climbed to 336, marking a clear break from the Congress-led UPA government, which managed just 44 seats. More than 4,000 dignitaries, officials, and guests were present to witness Modi and his new council of ministers take their oaths before then-President Pranab Mukherjee. More than 4,000 dignitaries, officials, and guests were present to witness Modi and his new council of ministers take their oaths before then-President Pranab Mukherjee. AP One of the standout moments of the evening was the presence of South Asian leaders, which diplomats and experts say was a first for any swearing-in ceremony in India. Pakistan's then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Sri Lanka's Mahinda Rajapaksa were among the key invitees, in what many saw as a strong signal of Modi's intent to reset regional ties. Clad in his trademark kurta and waistcoat, with a pen clipped neatly into his pocket, Modi, then 63, took the oath in Hindi, pledging to uphold the Constitution and serve all citizens 'without fear or favour, affection or ill will.' He became the first Indian PM to have been born after Independence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Before taking charge at the Centre, Modi had served as Gujarat's Chief Minister for over 12 years, making him the state's longest-serving CM. AP Before taking charge at the Centre, Modi had served as Gujarat's Chief Minister for over 12 years, making him the state's longest-serving CM. His first Cabinet, much leaner than the outgoing Congress government's 75-plus ministers, focused on 'minimum government, maximum governance', a phrase that would come to define much of his first term in office. When the Beatles released Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band On this day in 1967, The Beatles released their eighth studio album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, which would go on to become a critical favourite in the history of rock 'n' roll. It was with this album that the English band set about defining themselves purely as a studio band than live performers. 'All that boy [stuff], all that screaming, we didn't want any more,' Paul McCartney, one of the band's members, said. 'There was now more to it.' With Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, the Beatles announced their intention to be seen 'as artists rather than just performers.' The Beatles released their eighth studio album, Sgt. Pepper is often cited as the first 'concept album,' and as the inspiration for other great pop stars of the '60s. The album cover featured The Beatles in colourful styled outfits surrounded by cardboard cut-outs of famous personalities. Designed by Peter Blake and Jann Haworth, it is widely regarded as one of the most influential album covers in history. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Critically acclaimed, Sgt. Pepper's won four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, the first rock LP to receive the honour. It stayed at the top of the UK Albums Chart for 27 weeks and topped the Billboard 200 in the US for 15 weeks. Beyond commercial success, the album cemented The Beatles' place as cultural trailblazers of the 1960s.
