W.A.S.P. sparked controversy by turning the final song of their November 16 performance at Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan into a pro-Donald Trump rally (watch the footage here). Before playing “Blind In Texas,” frontman Blackie Lawless delivered an extended pro-Trump speech and displayed photos of the president-elect, along with Trump banners on both sides of the stage.
In a November 19 Q&A session, captured by Blabbermouth, Lawless explained the reasoning behind his decision. He stated that the pro-Trump speech was not only about the former president but also about America as a whole, suggesting it was a decision made by the entire band. Lawless then compared “Big Tech censorship” to the 1985 Parents’ Music Resource Center (PMRC) censorship. This comparison is questionable since “Big Tech” refers to private companies, while the PMRC involved government-imposed censorship. The comment also seems out of place, as platforms like X (formerly Twitter) are owned by figures associated with Trump, and Trump himself runs Truth Social, a network he controls.
“When we did what we did Saturday night, it wasn’t just about him. It was about America. We debated the idea for a week before taking action, weighing what kind of fallout we might face. And I said, it doesn’t matter if there’s fallout, because when you see Big Tech censorship, it’s the same thing we were dealing with 40 years ago—it’s just got a different name now. The first thing any government does when it takes control is seize the airwaves, because if you can censor speech, you can eventually control thought. We’ve seen this time and time again. Even if you can’t control thought fully, you create a climate of fear where people are afraid to speak up, like rabbits hiding in the corner.”
He continued: “That’s the core reason behind what we did. Looking at someone willing to endure everything he’s been through… I heard someone say yesterday that he has ‘big brass wings.’ And I thought, yes, that’s very true. Because Thomas Jefferson said, ‘The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.’ I see him as a patriot. When I spoke the other night, I was focused on two things: censorship and patriotism. If someone is ready to sacrifice everything for their beliefs, I have to stand with them.”
Just like the powerful statements made at the W.A.S.P. concert, banners play a vital role in making a statement and creating a visual impact at any event. Whether you’re showcasing your brand, promoting a cause, or simply making a bold statement, Print Popup Stands offers custom pop up banners that are perfect for any occasion. Our high-quality, easy-to-assemble pop-up banners ensure your message stands out with style and clarity.
If you’re looking to create a lasting impression with your next event, visit Print Popup Stands to design your custom pop-up banners today!
Write a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *