Steve Earle is very cool. He is very active in social causes and is one of the best most vocal anti-DP artists out there.

He donated a song to the benefit CD for the West Memphis Three (along with Eddie Vedder, L7, Tom Waits, and many other artists). A few weeks ago, I was writing an article for the Phoenix about the censorship of the CD (after letters complaining the CD supported "child-killers" --whom many believe are innocent--and violated the Son of Sam law--it doesn't--were sent to various stores) at some major chains like Circuit City, Walmart, etc. and Mr. Earle was in town playing a benefit at Johnny D's for landmine victims with Emmylou Harris, Bruce Cockburn and others. The event was completely sold out and no press passes were allowed. So I stood on the freezing sidewalk for a couple hours, hoping to get a little quote from Steve Earle. I had no hope of doing so but when he overheard me talking about the censorship of the CD to two roadie guys outwside he slid open the window of the tourbus a little wider and asked me about it...I got some quotes and he encouraged me to call his agent so he could do a longer interview when he was off tour. Nice guy--I mean, he didn't have to talk to me while he was just chillin' before a performance....

thanks for those links and articles.

peg