Another round of music-related stories from the war in Ukraine
[This was my column for GlobalNews.ca. – AC]
There have been few times in history when so many people have come together so quickly against a common foe. In the case of Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, most of the world rapidly rallied against him in an astonishing number of ways. And because Ukraine is outnumbered and outgunned, every little bit counts.
Here are some of the ways the music world has reacted and come to the defense of the people of Ukraine.
Live music in Russia has taken a hit
Not only are Western artists cancelling their concert appearances in Russia (Green Day, Iron Maiden, Franz Ferdinand, and Nick Cave among them), Live Nation, the world’s biggest promoter, has announced that it will no longer do business in Russia.
And it’s not just Western acts, either. Oxxxymiron, one of Russia’s most popular rappers, cancelled sold-out shows in Moscow as a way of protesting the invasion. In Putin’s world, this could be a severe career-limiting move. He was joined by a metal band called Slaughter to Prevail. Other Russian acts have joined the call for peace and to push for change. These are brave moves in an autocratic country bound on destroying so much.
Another example of bravery is these Ukrainian musicians who have turned into war correspondents and fundraisers for the military.
