Maiden’s political silence

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You are... Wrong. Yep, politicians or war/law experts are the only ones qualified. Democracy is built by everybody. Period. Arts, politics, war and democracy are intertwined and that is common knowledge. This is hardly a complicated matter. Putin is a war criminal who invaded his neighbour. This isn't a soccer tournament. Taking sides, pfft, as if there is any relevantnuanceto this. "Not experts" is pure bullshit. Maiden want to enjoy their democratic priviliges. They don't care for defending them.
 
Maiden are free citizens who can freely choose to say something or not. So, respect these great musicians, respect their silence if they don't want to talk about it. As I've written in my previous comment, they have no obligation to talk if they don't want to. And to say what ? The same things millions of people are saying every day on social medias, on TV, on radio, etc ? That's a non-sense, because Maiden members are not parrots or scratched discs... I want them to write some new music, not to deblater still and always on the same things...
 
Everybody who enjoys the fruit of democracy has an obligation to defend it. Everybody. This is why it matters and why pressure is important. Russia feels it.
That's the thing though, and I've said it multiple times over. The idea is that isolation puts pressure on Russia, not to show the fans they are displeased with the invasion - We have already seen the fact that companies are pulling out or pausing their Russia business having that effect, since Russia threaten to confiscate factories. We have seen Russia being deeply upset over sports boycotts and we're not even going to get into the economic sanctions. The idea is to put pressure on Russia, and Maiden can do that in a small way as part of a huge and broad boycott or social media influencing campaign (lots of companies are alraedy doing that willingly) and, as Azas said, use their influence with their fanbase to you know, defend the democratic values they and the rest of us enjoy. There's a reason why Russia is cracking down on social media. They fear informed citizens.
Maiden wouldn't be able to to what they do without millions of people sacrificing and risking things. The rest of us are seeing groceries, gas, electricity and so on get more expensive, small and big business will suffer and it will impact us far more than it will do to six well off English gentlemen. And that's quite alright with me. But I am bugged by the fact that Maiden sits this one out, because democracy and freedom is built by all of us. It's not a buffé where you just get to dig in. Without people defending it, we are not going to have democracy, territorial sovereignty or an international rulebook. But hey, everybody else can do the work so others can enjoy the spoils. Why risk annoying a few russian fans.
 
Everybody who enjoys the fruit of democracy has an obligation to defend it. Everybody. This is why it matters and why pressure is important. Russia feels it.
I agree with you throughout this thread. While I don't think Maiden staying silent here is necessarily the worst thing in the world, I am definitely disappointed by it. This isn't some narrow issue, we're talking about the naked aggression of an authoritarian state currently slaughtering innocents for the whims of a dictator.

I'd also point out that Maiden were extremely open about avoiding a UK tax nexus in the 80's by recording and residing in other countries. Shrewd business to be sure, but don't confuse them with great British patriots no matter how many times they wave the flag during The Trooper.
 
I agree with you throughout this thread. While I don't think Maiden staying silent here is necessarily the worst thing in the world, I am definitely disappointed by it. This isn't some narrow issue, we're talking about the naked aggression of an authoritarian state currently slaughtering innocents for the whims of a dictator.

I'd also point out that Maiden were extremely open about avoiding a UK tax nexus in the 80's by recording and residing in other countries. Shrewd business to be sure, but don't confuse them with great British patriots no matter how many times they wave the flag during The Trooper.

Some of them have been tax exiles for quite some time. Their money and their choice, but please don’t bullshit us with talks of British patriotism.

Needless to say it is also their choice how they address the invasion of Ukraine, but I personally think than referring to the whole thing as a “situation” is somewhat disappointing. If online feedback is anything to go by, it seems the brand has been tarnished by their choice of words.
 
What you mean by that? There's a broader fan disappointment apart from here? I don't follow the social media so I wouldn't know.

I do not follow them on social media either (I do not even have a Facebook or Twitter account), but out of curiosity I decided to check the reaction to Maiden’s statement on the cancellation of the gigs in Moscow and Kyiv and the comments were not particularly positive about their choice of words.
 
That's good. Things change and depending on the magnitude of the reaction Maiden could adopt their communication strategy. At least in this case. Unlike before now interaction with fans is immediate and approval's measurable, i.e. likes & comments on YouTube or Facebook.
 
I dont care about it. Its not their job. Im sure they all are against it like eveyone else. But why should every band, moviestar or famous person speak out on social media? I dont care for it. And im sure Bruce will rant about it live later.
 
I dont care about it. Its not their job. Im sure they all are against it like eveyone else. But why should every band, moviestar or famous person speak out on social media? I dont care for it. And im sure Bruce will rant about it live later.
Your opinion feels so wrong.

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
 
Your opinion feels so wrong.

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
A band not speaking out directly on an issue is a false equivalence to a person being anti-democracy.
 
Wait a sec, rest assured, the silence is just because they're recording their cover of Toby Keith


And Bruce the Brexiter ranting about how "we call them Freedom Fries now"




My point is, there are worse things than silence, sometimes.
 
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There are some valid points I strongly agree with in this thread, namely the view that Maiden's condemnation might sway unsure or pro-Putin Russian Maiden fans into turning against Putin, and that it would add more to the ever-increasing pressure on Russia from the Western world. That being said... I just can't get cut up about this. I think the opinions of one English metal band are very minor in the grand scheme of things, as previously mentioned I'd prefer to see any public figures actively making a difference in some way (like Metallica or Mila Kunis' charitable acts) and having spent the best part of six years* listening to celebrities run their mouths on various political topics, I must admit I find it quite refreshing that some are keeping quiet, even if I would more than likely agree with them.


*I know it's been going on since long before that, but this timeframe is when I first started to pay attention to and understand it.
 
Helloween just posted this.

Dear fans,

due to the sad and tragic event of this war, we are sorry to have to cancel our shows in Russia for 2023. We have amazing fans in Russia and Ukraine - music unites us all.

Our thoughts are with all the innocent and good people, that have to take the unbelievable suffering from this insanity. We hope and pray for the wellbeing of all and a UNITED good time, with Ukrainian and Russian fans alike sometime soon, in a world that has finally come to peace and reason.

Love to all ! ☮️


Nicely done.
 
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