Rock Bands and Activism

Since the early 1960s, many rock ‘n’ roll bands, folk singers, songwriters, and other musicians have had a visible role as activists at popular protests seeking to bring about social, environmental, and political changes. From iconic artists Bob Dylan, Frank Zappa, Jello Biafra, and Bob Geldof to bands U2, Rage Against the Machine, and more recently Green Day, over the past 4 decades, the rock movement has accompanied and encouraged activist movements of young generations to stop wars, to fight against poverty and HIV/AIDS, and to help the poor and oppressed worldwide.

Mainly developed in the Western and wealthy world, namely in North America and Europe, the rock movement has evolved from a single stream of Elvis Presley's rhythms in the 1950s to a more widespread, open, and mixed combination of styles. During its early development, there weren't many activist rock bands, but in the 1960s and 1970s, the hippie way of life, and the increasingly political attitude of the youth culture toward social change, encouraged many rock bands to introduce political messages in music that both reflected and promoted this activist spirit.

It was the public appearance of many songwriters who led the way to activism with their committed lyrics. Among the early influences, Bob Dylan was one of the pioneers of politically engaged rock music. During his youth, Dylan was involved in political movements such as the anti–Vietnam War and civil rights movements. He attended the famous rally of the March on Washington, where Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech. All of Dylan's creative albums reflected his behavior and outlook. Dylan expanded the vocabulary of popular music by incorporating politics, social commentary, philosophy, and literary influences into his lyrics. His songs “The Times They Are A-Changing” and “Blowing' in the Wind” were considered political anthems by the youth culture of the era.

Along with Dylan, the former Beatle and master songwriter John Lennon also added strong political messages to his songs. His 1971 song, “Imagine,” became another anthem for anti-war movements, and today its message is still known worldwide as an opportunity to imagine a different world, without wars, political divisions, murder, and suffering.

Not as well known, but equally influential, was Woody Guthrie, a prolific American folk musician noted for his identification with the common man, the poor and the downtrodden, and for his abhorrence of fascism and exploitation. He is best known for the song “This Land Is Your Land,” a song of protest against class inequality and the institution of concentrated private ownership of land. He is also remembered by the message written on his guitar during World War II, “This Machine Kills Fascists.”

Another pro-activist band, well known in the late 1970s and early 1980s, was the Dead Kennedys. A punk rock band, they humorously attacked the assumptions of both the political left and right. Their music mixed the more experimental elements of English punk with the energy of the American punk scene, providing satirical and sarcastic lyrics that sought to encourage young people to bring about political change. Its lead singer, Jello Biafra, is still a well-known political activist fighting with the anti-globalization movement, as well as advocating election reform, gay rights, labeling of genetically modified food, ending the death penalty in the United States, and legalizing marijuana and other narcotics.

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