Steve Earle Controversy

Subject: Steve Earle Controversy
From: Ebbie
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 04:25 PM

In the Getaway 2005 thread I mentioned that Steve Earle will be one of the headliners at the Haines, Alaska State Fair.

(Haines is a small, fishing town of perhaps 2,000 people in southeast Alaska, about a hundred miles north of Juneau.)

It develops that Earle's appearance is generating a good deal of heat in the Haines area. According to the Chilkat Valley News, there are notably two men who are vehemently opposed to his gig, saying that Steve Earle is "anti-American and anti-war" (hmmmmmm. Wonder where they're coming from?).

So far as I know, the fair organizers are not backing down in the face of this controversy; indeed, they are happy- they say they have an extraordinarily high number of presold tickets this year.

Because we want to help people understand - and remember - that this is a land of free speech, a land where dissent is important, a number of us are attending the fair this year who would not ordinarily be going.

In my case it would have been more than 10 years since I last went but I think this issue is important so I'm going. Steve Earle writes truths that are sometimes tough to take but dang it, we need people like that.

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 04:38 PM

Way to go, Ebbie. When is the concert?

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 04:45 PM

...regardless of political disagreements, it will be a damn good concert, I'm betting.

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 04:49 PM

Id' rather side with Steve than anyone who opposed him...

Anti-war? Any sane human being shoudl BE anit-war....

Anti-American? His detractors are just afraid of him cause he has long hair, smokes pot and writes music that makes them think... and most of them are afraid of thinking...

"notably two men who are vehemently opposed to his gig"
F--k 'em... don't go then...

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: GUEST,slickerbill
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 04:51 PM

Writing as a Canadian, mind you, but I think guys like Steve are what make America great. God forbid America comes to a day when the only songwriters allowed to perform are white house ass kissers a'la CMT. I don't know how anyone can think Steve is anti American after listening to his last two records. He sure cares alot more for American people than the president who's pissed away 1600 American lives to date while holding hands with people who are part of the problem, all for money. As a Canadian I'm getting sick to death of being pushed around by the US, but as long as Americans like Steve are free to speak out folks outside the US will be reassured it's the current administration and not the American people that have their heads stuck firmly up their asses. sb

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: Leadfingers
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 04:54 PM

OK - So they dont agree with what he says ! Does that give them the right to stop him having an opinion ?? As you say - land of free speech !

Cant remeber who it was said "I detest what he says but I will fight to the death to defend his right to say it!"

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: Ebbie
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 04:58 PM

You lovely people! I knew I was on the side of the angels on this one- thanks for proving it to me.

The date is July 30, Alaska Mike. 9:00 PM.

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: Shanghaiceltic
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 05:28 PM

Steve Earle has written some great songs with hard hitting lyrics. If people are too uncomfortable to listen to them then they don't have to buy the tickets. But why should a few ruin the day for the rest?

If people like that really want to listen to pro-govt songs or ones with no guts or meaning then send them over here where they can just listen to Chinese groups and singers who rearange a set number of words in a different order and call it music and are allowed to go public because they toe the party line.

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: Bainbo
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 05:30 PM

I vehemently disagree with what those two guys in Haines are saying, and I don't think they should be allowed to spout their views in theChilkat Valley News

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: An Englishman Abroad
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 05:32 PM

Free speach is only for those who agree with what you say, did you not know that.

I had a discussion with my Brother in Law (who worked for Reagan in the White House so you know where he is coming from) about the American Health Service. Two days later he phoned my wife and told her if I did not like ANYTHING HERE I should pack my bags and go. The worst thing I had said to him was that there would be a National Health Service within the next twenty or so years.

As a friend of mine told me. For a reaction like that you must have hit a nerve and won the argument. My view is I am here legaly and I pay taxes, I have a right to an opinion. If you do not like it tough S H one t.

all the best      John

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 05:43 PM

Ebbie, I hope the majority of people agree with you and it's a sellout! I love Steve Earle's stuff and it'll be a sorry day for the US of A if the vocal minority outdoes those of us who believe in freedom of speech, etc. Good for you and friends for going.

Is this anywhere near Denali? Maybe my sis could make it there, too.

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 05:45 PM

"Free speach is only for those who agree with what you say"
Then it ain't free is it...


"For a reaction like that you must have hit a nerve and won the argument."
Wow, do a WHOLE LOTTA Mudcatters need to read that line over and over...

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: GUEST,Sleepless Dad
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 05:48 PM

Please report back and give us a review of the show. I'd love to see him sometime. Two of my favorite CD's of Steve's are "The Mountain" and "Slow Train Coming". Both primarily acoustic - but his rock stuff is great too.

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: GUEST,slickerbill
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 06:04 PM

I've caught his show twice in the last two years. One of the most reasonably priced shows I've been to in I don't know how long. And the guy gives you your money's worth, let me tell you. Played for about three hours both times. His encore set is incredible; 60's protest covers like the Isley Bros. "Time Has Come Today". Great mix of acoustic and electric (that is if he's got the Dukes with him. I've heard his solo show is great too).

To me Steve is a songwriter's songwriter. His tunes are beautiful yet incredibly simple. I'm a Dylan fan too, but where you sometimes listen to a Dylan lyric and go "what the hell was that about?", I find it just doesn't happen too often with Steve. And to pull his career out of the fire like that is just amazing. sb

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 06:09 PM

They used to call themselves Know Nothings a long time ago. Of course they didn't win elections too much in those days.

It seems to me that people like Steve Earle are, for the USA, a bit like the Ten Just Men in the Bible whom Abraham nagged God into agreeing would provide a good enough reason to hold off on destroying the city.

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 07:42 PM

Clinton, "he has long hair,"....have you seen Steve lately? Last time I saw him he was close cropped, spectacles, and looked like everybody's favourite Uncle!

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: Ebbie
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 09:18 PM

Several people in our Friday Night songcircle sing Steve Earle songs, songs like Rich Man's War and the Devil's Right Hand. He's a fantastic songwriter but I've never yet heard his voice. Buddy Tabor, a local songwriter, has heard him live before and says he puts on a gritty show.

Sleepless Dad, I'll be happy to report back. I'm looking forward to the show.

Slickerbill, the price is $25US. Is that about the equivalent in Canaday?

McGrath, I know what you mean. We must treasure the nudgers and pokers amongst us.

"For a reaction like that you must have hit a nerve and won the argument."
Wow, do a WHOLE LOTTA Mudcatters need to read that line over and over..."CH

Clinton, scorn is also a reaction. LOL

That's what I'm hoping, kat. A sold out show (not likely, I guess, since it is outdoors) would send a message that I would hope could not be ignored. And maybe people would start doing some research and get some discussions going on the meaning of liberty.

I'm afraid though that bet is not likely to be there. Haines is just on the fringe of southeast Alaska; bet would be in the interior hundreds of miles away.

Speaking of Denali and its environs, my favorite town on this particular trek was Talkeetna, about halfway between Anchorage and Denali National Park. It's a village rather than a town, I suppose. I enjoyed it. Set in the forest with lots of wood houses and three rivers flowing around it, it reminds me of the American Old West in some almost indefinable way.

We stayed at the Roadhouse, a funky, creaky-floored inn with homemade breads and soups and baked goods and three rooms to let upstairs with more rooms downstairs down a long hall, past a sitting room with a fireplace and deep sofas that don't willingly relinquish you. My German friend kept slapping his forehead, exclaiming 'This is the end of the world'. He doesn't understand Americans. LOL

The cost was $89.25, somewhat different from the Talkeetna Lodge back on the highway where the rooms begin at $249 plus tax and go up to $379! Besides, I greatly preferred the Roadhouse; Germans evidently do NOT. *G*

There's a three-stor(e)y hotel there that is closed due to a lawsuit, I was told. It would be a great idea to go open it up. Any takers?

My second favorite town was Seward on the Kenai peninsula in the opposite direction, mostly because it is mountainous and heavily forested.

Met great people wherever we went. It was a great trip.

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: GUEST,Gerry
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 10:04 PM

slickerbill wrote,

"God forbid America comes to a day when the only songwriters allowed to perform are white house ass kissers a'la CMT. "

The only CMT with which I am familiar is the Chad Mitchell Trio
and as they split up 40 years ago
and never related to the White House in the manner you describe
I'm at a loss to understand this. Country Music Television?

A couple other things to do in/near Haines; tour of Glacier Bay,
and the ferry.

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: Matt_R
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 10:16 PM

"I'm at a loss to understand this. Country Music Television? "

Bingo, Gramps.

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: paddymac
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 10:16 PM

leadfingers - your quote captures the essence of a line which I think (its been a long time) is usually attributed to Patrick Henry. If I'm wrong, I'd appreciate a correction.

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: paddymac
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 10:17 PM

Or was it Nathan Hale - Green Mountain Boys, etc. ?

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 10:43 PM

"If you are not for us, you are for the terrorists." - George W. Bush.

Perhaps with a little logic-twisting encouragement from Bush's administration, the popular notion is that if you are against the war in Iraq, you are anti-american and "for the terrorists."

Anti-war does not equal anti-american. I'm guessing Steve Earle supports the troops in Iraq. He sure was sympathetic to the plight of the Vietnam veteran in "Copperhead Road."

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 11:04 PM

"He sure was sympathetic to the plight of the Vietnam veteran in "Copperhead Road."

Ya... the vet who was coming home to grow fields and fields of dope... Just like George Washington did.

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: An Englishman Abroad
Date: 23 Jun 05 - 07:21 AM

Hi ClintonHammond

The comment on free speech was being sarcastic.

Just the same as a Democratic vote is good as long as it works in your favour. Do you think Bush will let the people of the Middle East freely vote for an Islamic State in their countries, not on your nelly pal.

all the best       John

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: GUEST,Richard
Date: 23 Jun 05 - 08:06 AM

Saw Steve Earle in London on Sunday(Patti Smith's Meltdown). He was in top form, playing solo and with Patti Smith and band. Enjoy him. He says what needs to be said, and his music is excellent.
Richard

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: Den
Date: 23 Jun 05 - 08:59 AM

I saw Steve in Halifax, in March of this year. Great show. He played for about three hours and did two encores. He looked great. He's shed a lot of weight and sounded on top form. The crowd at the show was probably one of the most diverse I've seen. Just about everyone represented, from the really young to ageing hippies. I've been a big fan of Steve's for a number of years. I admire him for the strength of his convictions. You should enjoy the show.

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: Willie-O
Date: 23 Jun 05 - 09:36 AM

Here's another reason to like Steve Earle, recently reported on MaplePost (the Canadian roots music listserv): how he treats those who are booked as his opening act.

Young Serena Ryder had a breakthrough chance to tour Australia opening for Mr Earle. She played her first opening set with jetlag and associated physical complications, to 5,000 hyped-up Aussies screaming for "Copperhead Road". After that, Steve Earle took the following steps:

1. Personally introduced her at the beginning of each show, and in his lovable way, told the crowd to "shut the f"ck up and listen!"
   
2. gave her some lyrics to learn and had her sing backup with him on several numbers in his set.
   
3. told her to return her rental minivan and get on the damn tourbus with them!
   

Well, he's always been known as a supporter of the underdog.
Not only is he a genuine patriot with the courage to speak up, and a great songwriter, he's a guy with real class. All attributes that those blowhards wouldn't have on the best day of their lives. (And Serena has been back to Australia and is now doing real well there).

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: The Beast of Farlington
Date: 23 Jun 05 - 10:26 AM

Steve Earle is a great human being. He is far from perfect but has evidently learned by his mistakes and he has made more than most people. And he helps others.

I'd rather listen to him than most anyone else.

Saw his show in Leeds last year. Fantastic.

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: GUEST,slickerbill
Date: 23 Jun 05 - 11:37 AM

Ebbie: I'd say $25 US was about right. Something like $40 Canadian I guess. In a day when you can shell out $100 for the Cheap seats at a U2 concert if you're lucky, that's a bargain. And he always has great openers(Serena Ryder was fantastic), though I doubt that'll be at a fair show (?)

Gerry: By CMT i do indeed mean Country Music Television, which I thought put a pretty uneven showing of opinion re the war.

sb

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: Ebbie
Date: 23 Jun 05 - 12:01 PM

The promos don't say anything about an opening act. On other nights Elvin Bishop and Laura Love will do concerts. A ticket for their shows is $5.00 less than for Earle's. Each of them is scheduled for 9:00 PM.

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Jun 05 - 12:10 PM

Never saw Elvin Bishop, but Laura Love is a treat. Elvin should put on a rockin' show, judging from his records...

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Jun 05 - 06:01 PM

Ebbie, your description of where you stayed in Talkeetna reminds me of the roadhouse in the Kate Shugak mysteries written by Anchorage native, Dana Stabenow.

Thanks for the info...it is an immense area which is something we Rocky Mountain folk hate to admit!**bg**

kat

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: Ebbie
Date: 23 Jun 05 - 06:59 PM

kat, I like to tell Texans that if they feel bad about no longer being #1 in size, it could be worse: Alaska could divide itself into two and then Texas would be Number Three. Don't know how that would affect the Rocky Mountains! *G*

I just checked your link. It says that Stabenow was born in Anchorage and among other places spent time in Seldovia. I haven't been in Seldovia, which is one of the oldest white-inhabited places in Alaska. I didn't get there because you have to cross the water from Homer (where I did explore) to get to Seldovia. Since Seldovia is small these days, it's possible that's the town Stabenow had in mind.

Maybe next time I'll get there. I have discovred that when one is not the one at the wheel one tends to be kind of along for the ride! Not complaining- I had a great time.

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Jun 05 - 10:50 PM

We Coloradans (native way of saying it, not spelled corrently) used to tell Texans if we flattened the Rocly Myns. Colo. would be bigger than Texas!**bg**

Stabenow's books are full of beautiful descriptions and just the kind of characters one would expect to find up thar.

My dad met some really interesting people, too, when he worked on Amchitka in the late 60's/early 70's.

Again, I hope the Earle concert is a sell-out.

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Jun 05 - 09:16 PM

Just found out Steve is coming to our town on August 17th and Taj Mahal will be here on Aug. 25th!! I've got to see how much tix will be on MOnday!

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: Bobert
Date: 26 Jun 05 - 09:33 PM

Well, Ebbie, I think you oughtta ask yer local newspaper to check out this thread and maybe they'd like to print it....

That'd get them couple of brownshirts off yer back...

And, yeah, I kinda been going thru a little Steve Earle dance in my head myseff since I'm playin' at a 4th o' July festival in downtown Luray next Monday an' I been thinkin' of doin' "Copperhead Road" and then goin' "Hey, Bobert, this is a conservative community... They ain't gonna go takin' tyo no pony-tailed newbee comin' in not only talkin' about growing dope but messin' up some DEA agents if they interfer....

Joined the Army on my birthday
They draft the white trash 'eround here anyway
Done two tours of duty in the Viet Nam
And I come home with a brand new plan
Take the seeds from Coplumbia and Mexico
And plant 'um in the holler down Copperhead Road...

Well the DEA's got a chopper in the air
Wake up screamin' like I'm back over there
But I learned a thing from Charlie don't ya know
Better stay away from Copperhead Road....

Yeah, think I'll see what the crowd looks like and then make my decision on it... Heck, I'm only on fir 45 minutes so I'm purdy flexible....

Bobert

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: Ebbie
Date: 26 Jun 05 - 09:50 PM

Bobert, looking at 'purdy' made me suddenly realize where 'pure d' came from, as in 'pure d great' I've never heard that anywhere but in the south, but I've always liked it.

kat, I hope you do get to the Steve Earle concert in August, then we can compare notes.

Choose your adversary, Bobert. Choose your adversary...

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: Bobert
Date: 26 Jun 05 - 10:07 PM

Right, Eb....

Like I said, I'll survey the crowd during the day long thing an' see if I can pull it off... If it's toomany o' them and not 'nuff of us'e then maybe not...

If folks is jus' partyin' and not really liostenin' to the words, then maybe I can sneak it by...

Heck, I do a killer version and it just drives and drives so a lot of folks might just get up an' dance to it never knowin' what the song is about???....

I don't know... I got a local harp (harmonica) player who is gonna play with me an' we're gonna get togetrher sometime in the next week and go over the set an maybe he'll have some feel fir weather 'er not to do it....

I have, however, completely uled out doin' my "Jesus Don't Make Housecalls Anymore".....

Bobert

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: Ebbie
Date: 01 Jul 05 - 03:05 PM

Here's part of the backlash I hope for (Letters to the Editor, Juneau Empire):

"I am writing in regards to your front page story last Sunday (June 19) about Steve Earle performing at the Haines Fair. I'm sorry, but I feel it was a very unprofessional story, and frankly I am very confused as to why it was even in the paper, much less why it was front page material.

"The story seemed to offer a variety of various people's opinions, mostly negative, but never once did you place any of the artist's lyrics that were supposed to be so controversial. It seemed to me that you state in your story all of the alleged problems with this artist without ever offering any proof of your allegations.

"Someone's opinion of an artist, which was apparently gained by going "on the Internet to find out a little about him," is not a valid reason for any of us to cancel a Grammy-nominated performer, and deny a large majority of enjoying his performance. I believe one of the qualities of a great artist is their ability to create a stir of emotions inside one's self and others, sometimes causing people to think about life issues and stories. It seems to me Steve Earle has been successful at this, allowing Mr. Palmer to consider his own philosophies, but to accuse a person of being associated with the likes of the Nazis is not only very insulting, but pure stupidity. My first response was to laugh, but then I realized he was being serious. This is sad.

"I think you did a very bad job of covering the story, or at least covering the story of the artist. After reading your story, one would think we should keep our kids locked in the house with ear plugs on the nights of the fair. I myself have never been to the fair in my seven years of living here, but I guarantee that this year I will attend and gladly give my support to the festivities along with the "Marxist" performance of Steve Earle. I think I'll go and judge him based on what I see and hear him sing, not by what I read in your paper.".

Craig Cline

Skagway

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 01 Jul 05 - 03:25 PM

We need far more Steve Earles in this crazy world. His words are wonderful. I've only discovered him recently and I'm so glad that I have.

He has the power to wake people up and make them listen, that's why so many people don't want him to be heard!

The Revolution Starts Now.......Let's hope that all our protest songwriters get writing and our radio/TV stations, both here in the UK and over in the USA and Canada start playing those songs and letting them be heard.

Lizzie

PS....That quote above: "I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it."

...is by the French writer and philosopher Voltaire and here he is:

http://www.lucidcafe.com/library/95nov/voltaire.html

WHAT a WISE man!

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: Le Scaramouche
Date: 02 Jul 05 - 05:33 AM

I've never heard of him, but the solution is simple. You don't like him, don't go! Nobody is being forced!
Instead of knotting their knickers over a singer whose lyrics they hate, they should be out campaigning for something truly important.

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 02 Jul 05 - 06:26 AM

But that is what Steve Earle is doing, 'Scaramouche' and if you haven 't heard of him you can find out all about him here:

http://www.steveearle.com/

He's worth finding out about....truly!!

Lizzie :0)

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: Le Scaramouche
Date: 02 Jul 05 - 06:54 AM

I've no doubt he is, but I ment the 2 guys mentioned above.

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 02 Jul 05 - 08:00 AM

Ooops! Sorry Scaramouche!...Just off to write 100 lines:

"I must remember to read ALL answers before posting...I must remember to read all answers before......"

Lizzie :0)

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: Tannywheeler
Date: 02 Jul 05 - 09:04 AM

Also, Lizzie, "Don't stop offering knowledge and truth to all who seem to be seeking". Thanks for the informative link. When you broadcast info in a venue like this, you never know what ignorance you might alleviate.    Tw

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: Frankham
Date: 02 Jul 05 - 02:39 PM

I remember Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger receiving the same comments prior to their performances at various venues. Some of those folks who didn't like 'em got even more ugly than today.

It's my sincere belief that of all the singer/songwriters out there,
Steve Earle is the closest in spirit to the late Woody Guthrie.
When I hear his songs, I think of Woody and his hard-hitting, straightforward, no-bullshit, perceptive way of turning a phrase.

Dylan has renounced his earlier song attempts at emulating Woody. I always thought there was something odd and ambiguous about "Blowin' in the Wind'.

With Woody and Steve, no ambiguity there. They tell it like it is in basic poetic ways that anyone can understand. This is one element of a great songwriter.

Frank Hamilton

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: Ebbie
Date: 28 Jul 05 - 07:37 PM

Well, we're almost there! This Saturday morning - VERY early - I'll be boarding our new 'fast ferry' and heading to Haines. Steve Earle is scheduled to do his concert at 9:00 that night.

(BTW, we're told that the only reason Haines got him booked is because he is an avid fisherman and has big plans. Well, if he's after salmon and halibut he will probably not be disappointed. The Coho are running strong and they've been reporting great success with halibut. Not to mention, Kng crab. A friend's brother has been visiting her this week and they limited out on just about everything.)

I've been listening to a couple of his CDs and I'm very interested in hearing him. At this point he reminds me quite a lot of our own Buddy Tabor. Gritty, hard hitting, meaty songs. It's a given that if many Juneau people hear him, he'll have an attentive, appreciative audience. For whatever reason, Juneau is a tolerant community, tending politically from flaming liberal to solidly liberal. It's quite unlike most of the State.

There are a number of us going. We're taking our instruments and it will be great fun striking up the band, so to speak. Haines is about 100 miles away by water so we have lots of time. Going up: 2 hours and 15 minutes; returning by 'slow' ferry, 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Subject: RE: Steve Earle Controversy
From: mooman
Date: 29 Jul 05 - 04:18 AM

Steve is a superb singer and songwriter and I hope you enjoy the concert Ebbie.

Peace

moo