Do musicians have responsibilities as role models?

[isntnikione]

So after 5 years of attending Warped Tour, I've noticed the ages of attendees decreasing over time. I think it's fair to say that in general concert attendees are becoming younger and younger. So I ask this: because there's now a younger audience, do artists have a responsibility in assuring that their sets/behaviour/language is appropriate for that age group??

One example I have of Warped Tour, is that I saw bands like All Time Low talking about their dicks and being wasted and all that, I was supervising my 14yr old cousin and around us were mostly kids in the 13-15 range.... And whatever the band was saying these girls were screaming their hearts out. I can't help but think its a little fucked up and inappropriate for guys in their early/mid twenties to be telling 13 yr old girls they want to get laid.

In my brother's words:
"NONE of the metal bands we saw that day swore even ONCE... and this dumbass pop-teenie bopper oriented band swore more than a bunch of judges being sworn in on Christmas morning"

If we think about it, we have movie ratings and all that to protect that age group, so why is a performance different?

Should artists be keeping it clean??? What's your take on it??


(ps: I'm looking for real opinions, not "fuck dem 12 yr oldzzzz, fuck pop rockerzzz" crap, please. kthnxbi <3)

[chipdip18]

No way.

[fly_guy]

Taylor Swift and musicians like that? Yes
Brett McCracken? No.

[Robototron]

Of course not. If anything, when it comes to younger music fans it's up to the parents to moderate what they listen to and what concerts they go to, not the bands themselves. This is the same tired argument that people use to censor mature video games, television shows, etc.

[danielineffigy]

Hell to the no. Even though a lot of what's going on in the scene right now is wrong, no.

[Brokenhill]

No.

[isntnikione]

Of course not. If anything, when it comes to younger music fans it's up to the parents to moderate what they listen to and what concerts they go to, not the bands themselves. This is the same tired argument that people use to censor mature video games, television shows, etc.


Yeah I mean, I agree there is that element of freedom of expression, and parents have to be monitoring things on their own.

I don't think bands should be forced to tone it down, however I do have a moral qualm with bands who cater to a young age group and then saying things like that. It's just messed up to tell little girls to suck you off after the set or something, you know??? I mean you wouldn't do that in any other setting, would you? and if you did it would be viewed as pedophilia or whatever, you know?

I see it as a moral responsibility, not one that should be enforced in a legal sense. And of course, we all have different senses of morality, I just find it a bit unsettling, personally.

[11:11]

Taylor Swift and musicians like that? Yes
Bert McCracken? No.
Fixed.

[Robototron]

I don't think bands should be forced to tone it down, however I do have a moral qualm with bands who cater to a young age group and then saying things like that. It's just messed up to tell little girls to suck you off after the set or something, you know??? I mean you wouldn't do that in any other setting, would you? and if you did it would be viewed as pedophilia or whatever, you know?

That's like saying television shows shouldn't make sexual references because there might be kids watching. Again, I refer to parents to decide whether they want their daughters to go see this band.

[fly_guy]

Fixed.

Sorry man

[alis21]

If we think about it, we have movie ratings and all that to protect that age group, so why is a performance different?

Are they not age restrictions at gigs in the US?

[Robototron]

Are they not age restrictions at gigs in the US?

There are (annoyingly, I remember in HS I missed so many good shows because they were 18+), but it's the venue who decides it and not the bands.

[Genuma]

Yes. are they good role models? no. don't tell me metal bands are good role models, either. ozzy bit a bat's fucking head off and that one shit band has a song called alcohaulin' ass. granted, these are just mainstream metal acts, it's not good for easily influenced kids. and tons of kids are into ozzy/sabbath.

[dubtown]

Taylor Swift and musicians like that? Yes
Brett McCracken? No.
I agree. (http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individua l&VideoID=61130701)

[shes.a.ghost]

Absolutely not.

[songydarko]

Nope.

[MattADALIE]

A lot of bands are out there to have a good time and make sure other people have a good time, too. Although there may be swearing or sexual innuendo and other behavior believed to be humorous thrown into the mix, to a certain extent, I believe musicians should be role models. I can't even imagine myself talking to young preteen or teenage fans the way artists such as All Time Low, Bring Me the Horizon, and Brokencyde do. When I talk to people at shows or even online, I may let loose every now and then but I feel more like a parent. If any kid out there is looking to do anything that can be risky, I tell them to be careful and not overdo anything (I'm referring to things like house parties and shit like that, but, I personally never go to them -- my phase ended around 19-20). It's another issue with moshing, crowd-surfing, and all that. I'm all for that, as long as everyone is watching out for each other. Yeah, I'm only 22 but I just can't bring myself to act like a complete asshole in front of teens and stuff. I don't find it impressive to be considered "cool" or "the life of the party" by a bunch of kids. More than anything, I'd rather be known as a nice and caring person. Before things get out of hand into the teens and then into adulthood, kids are the last spark of innocence in this world as far as human life is concerned. Now, if I happen to talk to people around my age or older, it's a different vibe. I'm more of a peer, or, in the case of an older person, I can even feel like a little kid at times... hahahaha.

[imahoodlum]

Of course not. If anything, when it comes to younger music fans it's up to the parents to moderate what they listen to and what concerts they go to, not the bands themselves. This is the same tired argument that people use to censor mature video games, television shows, etc.
Exactly this. The responsibility is not in the band's hands, it is in the hands of the adults that supervise their children.

When I was younger, my parents used to ask me if there was going to be drugs and cussing and stuff at concerts and I would turn to them and say "I hope so...or it's a stupid show." ;-) They understood that it's a concert atmosphere but they didn't doubt my decision making.

[roche]

It's the responsibility of the parents to monitor their children and understand what they are being exposed to.

[briannedixon]

A lot of bands are out there to have a good time and make sure other people have a good time, too. Although there may be swearing or sexual innuendo and other behavior believed to be humorous thrown into the mix, to a certain extent, I believe musicians should be role models. I can't even imagine myself talking to young preteen or teenage fans the way artists such as All Time Low, Bring Me the Horizon, and Brokencyde do. When I talk to people at shows or even online, I may let loose every now and then but I feel more like a parent. If any kid out there is looking to do anything that can be risky, I tell them to be careful and not overdo anything (I'm referring to things like house parties and shit like that, but, I personally never go to them -- my phase ended around 19-20). It's another issue with moshing, crowd-surfing, and all that. I'm all for that, as long as everyone is watching out for each other. Yeah, I'm only 22 but I just can't bring myself to act like a complete asshole in front of teens and stuff. I don't find it impressive to be considered "cool" or "the life of the party" by a bunch of kids. More than anything, I'd rather be known as a nice and caring person. Before things get out of hand into the teens and then into adulthood, kids are the last spark of innocence in this world as far as human life is concerned. Now, if I happen to talk to people around my age or older, it's a different vibe. I'm more of a peer, or, in the case of an older person, I can even feel like a little kid at times... hahahaha.

i don't think bands should have to tone it down if they don't want to, but i really do wish more of them had this mindset at least half the time.

Exactly this. The responsibility is not in the band's hands, it is in the hands of the adults that supervise their children.

When I was younger, my parents used to ask me if there was going to be drugs and cussing and stuff at concerts and I would turn to them and say "I hope so...or it's a stupid show." ;-) They understood that it's a concert atmosphere but they didn't doubt my decision making.
:-) that's how my mom is for me and i love it! now my friends' parents...oh lord, what a totally different story. X-)

[SincerelyMe]

Musicians have a responsibility to make music. Their fans can make their own choices about how to live life.

[kbi the crowing]

bands can really do what they want, it's their show when they are up on that stage. How bands should be limited is up to the bands themselves and not anyone else.

It's the responsibility of the parents to monitor their children and understand what they are being exposed to.

this is a really good point too. I don't think parent's should shun kids away from things they may think aren't good for them though, they should explain it so the kid knows whats good and whats not. I'm not saying anything against you, roche, I'm just saying in general.

[boysandbulletsx]

It's the responsibility of the parents to monitor their children and understand what they are being exposed to.
This. The responsibility should mainly rest on the parents to know what is going on at the shows their children are attending. I think that, to an extent, musicians should be careful of what they say if they are aware that very young audience members are present - and especially if the band aims for a younger demographic, but sometimes bands can't help who their music attracts.

[brentywat]

this has already been said, but a band like all time low shouldnt be talking to the 15 year old girls they cater to about having sex and stuff. in the real world that's almost a crime.

[zonto]

I don't feel that it's just musicians. I think every form of public entertainment and advertising should be considerate and respectful. Swearing is base and vulgar and the same "emotion" can be felt without the words.

[Wait_For_It]

No.

[nerdvglc]

Of course not. If anything, when it comes to younger music fans it's up to the parents to moderate what they listen to and what concerts they go to, not the bands themselves. This is the same tired argument that people use to censor mature video games, television shows, etc.
this is my opinion. plus, i see a concert much like any art show... people engage in art to express themselves, and i think it's the dumbest thing when people try to argue over possible censorship of art and it's presentation. don't go if you can't handle or approve of it.

[IWasHerHorse]

It's a parents responsibility to raise their children in such a manner that kids are able to properly decipher between what is legitimate and what is bullshit. If that fails, then a parent should educate themselves and become familiar with what they are listening to/watching/consuming/etc.

[Genuma]

you people are stupid. musicians get paid to do what they love. they should at least have to control their behavior, especially if they have a young fan base. it's the least they could do.

[SickOfStars]

I ask everyone agreeing here to look at this

http://www-personal.umich.edu/~jlym/media/advisory.jpg

and then rethink. thanks.

[Genuma]

shows don't have explicit labels, though. do you know how many kids must go to Ozzfest every year? it is parent's fault, but I don't get how these musicians can see children in the audience and still act like dicks.

[SickOfStars]

shows don't have explicit labels, though. do you know how many kids must go to Ozzfest every year? it is parent's fault, but I don't get how these musicians can see children in the audience and still act like dicks.

Yeah, I should've probably explained my post a little better. I don't want albums to have them, and some of the logic being used in the thread, if put into any sort of legislative motion (I know, farfetched), leans toward that sort of censorship (printed warning,) or imposed censorship upon the band/artist in a show setting.

I was just betting that a lot of kids railing against this are against the explicit lyrics label. Figured it might make a connection.

The way I look at it is that it is ultimately up to the bands, and yeah, it'd be good if they decided to not act like dicks, it shouldn't make a difference. Given, I don't know how some of the bands being discussed here behave, but I know that if I went to parent-approved shows and listened to parent-approved music when I was young, I would've ended up a total twit and missed out on punk rock, which I'm passionate as fuck about.

If parents are preaching anything to their kids, it should be "be less impressionable." Everyone picture themselves at 15. Yeah, yeah, we were all of a nature that is somewhat regrettable now, but you could think, right?

If you're 15 and you go to a show and a musician says "I got really fucking wasted last night" and then you want to go get really drunk and get in your friends' parents car and try to drive, then yes, your parents fucking failed you, hard. But they didn't fail you by letting you go to Warped. They failed you by apparently keeping you in bubble wrap until you had to go to Junior High.

Artists can say whatever they want. Ultimately, yeah, the band shouldn't act like douchebags and preach alcoholism to kids. However, it's moreso the kids' (and their parents') job to make sure that kids don't shoot up heroin just because some dude in an alt-rock band did. I mean, seriously, it's no better than the parents blaming DOOM for their kids using pep-pep's gun.

And Genuma, that's not all to you. Just my general 2 cents.

Sorry if it seems a little volatile, this sort of thing is something I get pretty heated on.

[MattADALIE]

i don't think bands should have to tone it down if they don't want to, but i really do wish more of them had this mindset at least half the time.

It can be too much to completely tone things down. You just have to know where the balance is. I, for one, am very sarcastic and I have a tendency sometimes to turn everything into sexual references and so on. I definitely look for limits in social situations, especially with fans, because each person reacts differently to certain conversations or situations. I'm not perfect or anything, but, I make sure I'm not being a negative influence on someone, especially someone who knows me through my band's music and even happens to become a friend because of it (in the latter case, I get more comfortable). We don't want to scare anyone away... hahahaha. It's hard enough to go out there and build a following. We still have a long way to go. But, thanks a lot for pointing out an important topic in my post. It's a nice change compared to being completely annihilated in the political forums... hahahaha.

[SickOfStars]

It can be too much to completely tone things down. You just have to know where the balance is. I, for one, am very sarcastic and I have a tendency sometimes to turn everything into sexual references and so on. I definitely look for limits in social situations, especially with fans, because each person reacts differently to certain conversations or situations. I'm not perfect or anything, but, I make sure I'm not being a negative influence on someone, especially someone who knows me through my band's music and even happens to become a friend because of it (in the latter case, I get more comfortable). We don't want to scare anyone away... hahahaha. It's hard enough to go out there and build a following. We still have a long way to go. But, thanks a lot for pointing out an important topic in my post. It's a nice change compared to being completely annihilated in the political forums... hahahaha.

Oh DUDE, we have all been there hahaha.

[MattADALIE]

Oh DUDE, we have all been there hahaha.

Hahahaha. I figured I wasn't alone there. I saw plenty of unsuspecting people getting ousted from those forums just because the high school debate team stars/political science majors (a lot of them old enough to have maybe gone to college for a semester or two) and their Google, Wikipedia, and network television references, along with their sharpness and attention to detail (in their realm, at least), caused them to own the place. I've got to hand it to those guys, but, there's still two sides to each story. I'm just sticking to areas where I can actually get things going.

[ReignofFiction]

It's the parents duty at a young age to take care of their kids...sometimes people forget that, this includes going to shows and the music they listen to.

[Genuma]

Yeah, I should've probably explained my post a little better. I don't want albums to have them, and some of the logic being used in the thread, if put into any sort of legislative motion (I know, farfetched), leans toward that sort of censorship (printed warning,) or imposed censorship upon the band/artist in a show setting.

I was just betting that a lot of kids railing against this are against the explicit lyrics label. Figured it might make a connection.

The way I look at it is that it is ultimately up to the bands, and yeah, it'd be good if they decided to not act like dicks, but the way I look at it is it shouldn't make a difference. Given, I don't know how some of the bands being discussed here behave, but I know that if I went to parent-approved shows and listened to parent-approved music when I was young, I would've ended up a total twit and missed out on punk rock, which I'm passionate as fuck about.

If parents are preaching anything to their kids, it should be "be less impressionable." Everyone picture themselves at 15. Yeah, yeah, we were all of a nature that is somewhat regrettable now, but you could think, right?

If you're 15 and you go to a show and a musician says "I got really fucking wasted last night" and then you want to go get really drunk and get in your friends' parents car and try to drive, then yes, your parents fucking failed you, hard. But they didn't fail you by letting you go to Warped. They failed you by apparently keeping you in bubble wrap until you had to go to Junior High.

Artists can say whatever they want. Ultimately, yeah, the band shouldn't act like douchebags and preach alcoholism to kids. However, it's moreso the kids' (and their parents') job to make sure that kids don't shoot up heroin just because some dude in an alt-rock band did. I mean, seriously, it's no better than the parents blaming DOOM for their kids using pep-pep's gun.

And Genuma, that's not all to you. Just my general 2 cents.

Sorry if it seems a little volatile, this sort of thing is something I get pretty heated on.
yeah, it is all the parent's fault, if what I'm getting from this is right. pretty much every kid listens to music itself that has some inappropriate themes for them, that's not really my issue. it's the musicians behavior at shows. warped is much more controlled about this, it seems. all these metal festivals, no. parents that let their kids go to these are fools, I can't think of a single mainstream metal band with good, genuine people in it. and so many teenagers and younger listen to these bands and go to these festivals. some have metal head parents, but some parents just don't give a fuck. granted it's not the musicians responsibility, I just know I could never be standing on stage, hundreds of little kid's eyes staring at me and talk about how wasted that bitch was when I fucked her at this festival last year.

[SickOfStars]

It's the parents duty at a young age to take care of their kids...sometimes people forget that, this includes going to shows and the music they listen to.

This is true, and exactly the advice I would give to parents.


However, I would tell kids to not listen to their parents, listen to punk/indie/whatever makes you happy, get involved with music and creativity, and do what makes you happy. The media says a lot of things involved in music are "dangerous" because they'll cause you to think outside the status quo. I mean, yeah, drugs are probably not a great idea, statutory rape (sp), etc etc. However, the ideas presented in a lot more intelligent areas of punk are quite legitimate, and have lead me to living a less oppressive to others, more peaceful, outside of the box lifestyle that I'm ultimately a lot more happy with.

So I guess I'm kinda biased. If you're a parent, keep your kids from seeing Brokencyde and give them Jesus Lizard records.

[SickOfStars]

yeah, it is all the parent's fault, if what I'm getting from this is right. pretty much every kid listens to music itself that has some inappropriate themes for them, that's not really my issue. it's the musicians behavior at shows. warped is much more controlled about this, it seems. all these metal festivals, no. parents that let their kids go to these are fools, I can't think of a single mainstream metal band with good, genuine people in it. and so many teenagers and younger listen to these bands and go to these festivals. some have metal head parents, but some parents just don't give a fuck. granted it's not the musicians responsibility, I just know I could never be standing on stage, hundreds of little kid's eyes staring at me and talk about how wasted that bitch was when I fucked her at this festival last year.

Yeah, I mean. I am agreeing with you there. Most of the bands at Ozzfest are bands that I'm more or less ethically against. If people I run into are into them, then they have every right to be into them, I'm not going to douche on someone else's musical sweet spot, but even aside from music, that's why I'm not into 'em. That sort of vulgarity is what's "cool" and "badass."

And that's what sucks. Vulgarity is cool and badass, but not that sort of redneck misogynist talk (I'm going specifically off of the "wasted that bitch" line). Vulgarity can be used to make all sorts of statement about the uptight public, and I think that this sort of stuff is a GROSS misuse of its power.

...God I sound like a pretentious asshole, but it's hard for me to put this in my usual Bob Pearsall layman's terms.


edit: also, DOUBLE POST FOR THE WIN

[Genuma]

Yeah, I mean. I am agreeing with you there. Most of the bands at Ozzfest are bands that I'm more or less ethically against. If people I run into are into them, then they have every right to be into them, I'm not going to douche on someone else's musical sweet spot, but even aside from music, that's why I'm not into 'em. That sort of vulgarity is what's "cool" and "badass."

And that's what sucks. Vulgarity is cool and badass, but not that sort of redneck misogynist talk (I'm going specifically off of the "wasted that bitch" line). Vulgarity can be used to make all sorts of statement about the uptight public, and I think that this sort of stuff is a GROSS misuse of its power.

...God I sound like a pretentious asshole, but it's hard for me to put this in my usual Bob Pearsall layman's terms.


edit: also, DOUBLE POST FOR THE WIN
no, I definitely get and agree with what you're saying. you know, after I ignore all the pretentiousness haha.

[ReignofFiction]

This is true, and exactly the advice I would give to parents.


However, I would tell kids to not listen to their parents, listen to punk/indie/whatever makes you happy, get involved with music and creativity, and do what makes you happy. The media says a lot of things involved in music are "dangerous" because they'll cause you to think outside the status quo. I mean, yeah, drugs are probably not a great idea, statutory rape (sp), etc etc. However, the ideas presented in a lot more intelligent areas of punk are quite legitimate, and have lead me to living a less oppressive to others, more peaceful, outside of the box lifestyle that I'm ultimately a lot more happy with.

So I guess I'm kinda biased. If you're a parent, keep your kids from seeing Brokencyde and give them Jesus Lizard records.

I would agree with that, but I'd say they should still be limited till they can see how ridiculous stuff like brokencyde is especially there them of crazy partying and crap. Ultimately it comes to the maturity of the kid and their concept of right and wrong.

[SickOfStars]

no, I definitely get and agree with what you're saying. you know, after I ignore all the pretentiousness haha.

Hahaha, looking back on it, it doesn't sound that bad. I just am usually all "reg'lar guy" with stuff, and that's how I talk, but I couldn't really type this how I talk. It's something a lot deeper down in my system.

Like, when you make a blatant statement that much of uptight society considers vulgar, but there's a point to it, then you're doing something positive. When you're proliferating leather-pants, mysogynist views before you play Down With the Sickness (yeah, I narrowed it down to a band, sue me :-p), then you're just a dumb shit.

For example, if I said something blatantly offensive and scary and taboo to further a legitimate, to me liberating, point, then I'd do it and back anyone that did it. People need to think more about the conventions around them. Some political bands started in on it, but when it comes down to it, BIG political bands are on huge labels and those huge labels are owned by even bigger corporations who run just about everything (this isn't conspiracy theory, anyone can look this up.) Like those people are going to let bands say anything potentially descructive to the little escalator everyone's on.


So I guess, in short, I think that band's shouldn't be censored, on the off-chance that someone's going to use their freedom of speech to say something that will make some kid somewhere think about something that might be important and help him live a more positive life, slightly more free from even one of the restraints put on people every day. We are going to get a lot of dumb people in the meantime, but I think it's worth it.

[TheOtherAndrew]

If you're 15 and you go to a show and a musician says "I got really fucking wasted last night" and then you want to go get really drunk and get in your friends' parents car and try to drive, then yes, your parents fucking failed you, hard.
I feel like this thread should have finished at this point.

[SickOfStars]

I would agree with that, but I'd say they should still be limited till they can see how ridiculous stuff like brokencyde is especially there them of crazy partying and crap. Ultimately it comes to the maturity of the kid and their concept of right and wrong.

Definitely.


However, right and wrong are different for every different little group.

For example, most of us would agree that Brokencyde talking about railing 14 year old girls and getting dangerously drunk, etc, is pretty "wrong."


However, a kid could go to a show where the frontman is gay/bi/trans/etc, and the frontman says something that is vulgar, however very important, politically driven, and generally thought provoking. That sort of shit could piss off a Super Jesus parent just as much as it could make me smile.

It's too huge to put a concrete rule down, you know? You silence one "offensive" thing, you gotta silence 'em all.

[Genuma]

Hahaha, looking back on it, it doesn't sound that bad. I just am usually all "reg'lar guy" with stuff, and that's how I talk, but I couldn't really type this how I talk. It's something a lot deeper down in my system.

Like, when you make a blatant statement that much of uptight society considers vulgar, but there's a point to it, then you're doing something positive. When you're proliferating leather-pants, mysogynist views before you play Down With the Sickness (yeah, I narrowed it down to a band, sue me :-p), then you're just a dumb shit.

For example, if I said something blatantly offensive and scary and taboo to further a legitimate, to me liberating, point, then I'd do it and back anyone that did it. People need to think more about the conventions around them. Some political bands started in on it, but when it comes down to it, BIG political bands are on huge labels and those huge labels are owned by even bigger corporations who run just about everything (this isn't conspiracy theory, anyone can look this up.) Like those people are going to let bands say anything potentially descructive to the little escalator everyone's on.


So I guess, in short, I think that band's shouldn't be censored, on the off-chance that someone's going to use their freedom of speech to say something that will make some kid somewhere think about something that might be important and help him live a more positive life, slightly more free from even one of the restraints put on people every day. We are going to get a lot of dumb people in the meantime, but I think it's worth it.haha I know some kids who are in the Disturbed fan club. keep in mind you PAY to be in it. yeah, the ozzy biting the bat's head off was a good example that he has nothing thought provoking to say. that was just sick for no reason. maybe a little funny, but sick. It's just sick that kid's can live by Poison's words and never hear (influential punk band here). but if a band has something to say that will mean something, go ahead. needless offensive speeches etc. should be left for the groupies to hear while they suck the band off collectively in their trailer.

[x togepi x]

kids ruin music so they should be banned from anywhere it is being performed at.

[ReignofFiction]

Definitely.


However, right and wrong are different for every different little group.

For example, most of us would agree that Brokencyde talking about railing 14 year old girls and getting dangerously drunk, etc, is pretty "wrong."


However, a kid could go to a show where the frontman is gay/bi/trans/etc, and the frontman says something that is vulgar, however very important, politically driven, and generally thought provoking. That sort of shit could piss off a Super Jesus parent just as much as it could make me smile.

It's too huge to put a concrete rule down, you know? You silence one "offensive" thing, you gotta silence 'em all.


I suppose you're right on that front...don't get me started on super jesus people haha.

[SickOfStars]

haha I know some kids who are in the Disturbed fan club. keep in mind you PAY to be in it. yeah, the ozzy biting the bat's head off was a good example that he has nothing thought provoking to say. that was just sick for no reason. maybe a little funny, but sick. It's just sick that kid's can live by Poison's words and never hear (influential punk band here). but if a band has something to say that will mean something, go ahead. needless offensive speeches etc. should be left for the groupies to hear while they suck the band off collectively in their trailer.

Agreed. HOWEVER, the problem is that the PTA meeting-going, soccer practice-accomodating, church-loving, on-the-go parents don't really have the time or means to tell the difference. If Disturbed gets silenced, everyone gets silenced.


I feel like this thread should have finished at this point.
:sneakkiss:

[thespearkid]

A bands live show is part of their art. I don't think art should be censored whatsoever so no, musicians don't have any responsibility as role models.

[briannedixon]

It can be too much to completely tone things down. You just have to know where the balance is. I, for one, am very sarcastic and I have a tendency sometimes to turn everything into sexual references and so on. I definitely look for limits in social situations, especially with fans, because each person reacts differently to certain conversations or situations. I'm not perfect or anything, but, I make sure I'm not being a negative influence on someone, especially someone who knows me through my band's music and even happens to become a friend because of it (in the latter case, I get more comfortable). We don't want to scare anyone away... hahahaha. It's hard enough to go out there and build a following. We still have a long way to go. But, thanks a lot for pointing out an important topic in my post. It's a nice change compared to being completely annihilated in the political forums... hahahaha.
hahah no problem man. but really, you do seem to have your head in the right place when it comes to this. keep it up! :-)

[deFobbed14yrs]

A bands live show is part of their art. I don't think art should be censored whatsoever so no, musicians don't have any responsibility as role models.


but what about as just people?

[billyboatkid]

Fuck no. Ozzy use to bite the heads off of shit.

That's not responsible, that's rabies.

[thespearkid]

but what about as just people?
I don't think so. I mean, by that logic, everyone has a certain responsibility as role models. Congratulations on the boldness, by the way. haha.

[hockeyguitar99]

I don't believe than have an honest responsibility to act as a role model, but I do think that they should.

[deFobbed14yrs]

I don't think so. I mean, by that logic, everyone has a certain responsibility as role models. Congratulations on the boldness, by the way. haha.

thanks dion!

[MattADALIE]

hahah no problem man. but really, you do seem to have your head in the right place when it comes to this. keep it up! :-)

Thanks. I figured I'd stay where I have a lot more experience and constructive things to say.

[isntnikione]

I see everyone's point and I agree for the most part, but I feel like some people are saying... that because it's a "artist setting" there's the freedom of expression to say whatever you want. As I said before, I don't think artists should be forced to do anything. However, in another other social situation we would NOT be ok with 25 yrs old telling kids who they fucked last night or about the size of their penises or whatever. I don't see how because they're in bands and at a gig, it makes it any more acceptable???? Do you see what I mean, it's all bit contradictory isnt it? Society has all these norms and laws set in place to protect kids, and each individual (for the most part) on their OWN personal moral level tries to protect kids from harm in whatever form it comes. That's all I'm saying. Ultimately it is definitely the parents responsibility to monitor their kids, however can you honestly say that every kid that's been exposed to something vulgar or that has done something really bad only has their own parents to blame? I can think of a hundred examples of kids who are like that and their parents hadn't failed them at all. Yeah, gigs have a certain "atmosphere" and that's fair enough, parents should know that, and hopefully their kids will be good even if put in that situation, but just because its a show doesn't mean certain social rules no longer apply, you know?

I'm not talking about censorship here, I'm saying as HUMAN BEINGS who live in a society of morals and codes.... I find it a bit unsettling to hear older men saying things like that to children and have so many people say it's no biggie because they're just expressing themselves, or that its their parents fault. If you were walking around and some dude came up to your little brother or sister and started talking about his dick to them, you wouldn't be ok with it would you?

And I'm talking specifically about bands who's main audience are tweens. Ozzfest for example, usually has older people, but yeah when you're going to see alot of these newer pop-rock bands where the vast majority of the audience are really young kids, I do think you have to be aware of that.