“Russian diplomacy used to be a serious business. What do you want to offer next? Mr. Bean?” a UN Security Council diplomat, who wished to remain anonymous, told news agency Reuters.
News of the Waters speech electrified both the political and the pop music scene.
There have always been guest speeches before this high international body. But mostly in a more festive setting with a ceremonial character. Roger Waters would now be taking a stand in a deadly conflict with his speech. As a non-diplomat and “artist”. At the invitation of a brutal aggressor.
Roger Waters concert bans are under review
This volte will have a not inconsiderable influence on the European tour starting on March 17, 2023 in the Portuguese capital, which will also lead through German multi-purpose halls in May 2023. Demands for an urgent concert cancellation are escalating in several countries. In Kraków, Poland, for example, there were already massive demands last autumn to disinvite the Russia apologist Waters. Because of its turbulent history, Poland belongs to the group of former Eastern Bloc countries that are afraid of renewed Russian imperialism. Jewish organizations are also speaking out against the major events.
The current line of conflict in Germany runs along a legal-economic line and a more moral outrage on the part of the critics. It’s about a lot of money. Some of his gigantic concerts, equipped with all kinds of illumination, are already sold out. Lots of technology, lots of tinsel.
The debate so far has shown that the municipalities or private hall operators have no legal options to BAN these concerts. The calculation of the concert organizers, on the other hand, to pacify the ongoing conflict, according to the motto “Roger is still sooo bad”, should at least be called into question with the eagerly awaited UN speech by Waters. Does the notorious Pink Floyd grumbler continue to pour fuel on the fire?
“Let him play!”
In a comment in the “Berliner Zeitung”, the long-standing culture editor Harry Nutt (now working as an author) demanded: “Let him play!” At the time the text was printed in October 2022, however, it was “only” about Waters’ proximity to the sinister Israel Boycott Lodge “BDS”.
“Whether the planned concert can take place in Munich’s Olympiahalle is not determined by aesthetic considerations,” said Nutt at the time. “Once again, the Waters case, whose appearance on urban terrain was recently criticized by Munich’s Mayor Dieter Reiter, shows what a diffuse effect the Bundestag’s BDS decision has. Every wave of indignation about the ban or permit is accompanied by free advertising for the BDS in the form of discursive debate…”
Back then, Nutt called for a certain calmness coupled with “artistic freedom”. You can see and demand that with a steady hand. Let the old grumbler play… only psychedelia pensioners go there anyway.
Propaganda is not the same as opinion
The speech before the UN will show whether this attitude can continue after further escalation levels.
If Waters is really going to the Kremlin’s talking machine, there should be a way to prevent the new windfall. Tickets already purchased will be refunded. The angry citizen, valued at a three-digit million sum, has enough money. Going fishing would be a good idea for him. Should relax….