Recently I’ve been listening to the records by the titular rap-rock group, and I have been very impressed with their musicianship, especially with the innovative guitar playing. At the heart of the band, though, lies lyrics that speak of socialist agendas and lack of justice. While I find the revolutionary aspect interesting and admire the human rights campaigning done by the band, I have heard some people claim that since the band members are all successful millionaires, they are hypocrites for criticizing corporate barons. I personally think that it gives them more influence and coverage to spread their ideas, and I don’t think it matters how much money you have when you honestly believe in what you are campaigning for. For example, Rage has played numerous free shows for several thousands of people, and guitarist Tom Morello has showed up at many protests without receiving any payment at all. What do you think of this band and its stances?
I am not a fan of the band (can’t stand the singer’s voice, though I appreciate Morello), however I presume much of their style and ideologies - and many songs - were developed before they became millionaires. Those songs and ideologies are what made the band successful, gained them an audience…and got them money as a consequence.
Seems silly to view that as hypocritical - it is those very fans that fuelled the money machine that made the singers rich. RATM might still have created the same music even if they never became successful.
I’m going to post this elsewhere with some revisions. Any moderators take note and remove this one please.
Since he’s reposted this in Great Debates, I’ll close this thread. If you’d like to contribute, go here:
http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=14724211#post14724211