There are a couple of exceptions but generally artistic people, rock musicians especially, are liberals. They speak out for lefty causes and support Democrats. It’s no big surprise that many believe the stage, where the intended purpose is for them to entertain, can also be a bully pulpit for them to voice their political beliefs.
But does it help and who benefits from hearing Michael Stipe talk about politics? In 2004 MoveOn.org hosted the Vote for Change tour and even drawing huge crowds and boasting acts like Bruce Springsteen and Bright Eyes, John Kerry still lost the election. Is this the ultimate example of preaching to the choir??
One interesting exception is Merle Haggard, who says he thinks the stage is for music. Maybe Haggard is onto something here. Why alienate your fans by bringing up politics? On the other hand, politics plays a very small part in many, many lives and if it was more of a normal topic of conversation maybe more people would vote and less people would be apathetic. It remains to be seen.