To be sure, Buy A Tribe aims to take a somewhat neutral approach to Israeli politics. Yes, the nation's status is very important to American Jews and the commercial and cultural implications of any organization-- a company or a band-- and their response to Israel have far-reaching effects. So, naturally this topic would be covered by this blog. Yet, I wanted to understand what a successful artist-- an American in a European band-- was thinking when he posted comments on his Facebook page directed towards Elvis Costello after the raid.
Eric Grossman, bassist of K's Choice, a band of whom I have been a fan since 1996, was nice enough to answer a few questions for Buy A Tribe regarding this incendiary and divisive issue.
Hi Eric, thanks for doing this interview. K's Choice, played my college commencement party when I was a Freshman. I was an instant fan. When I heard you were a public supporter of Israel, I became a devotee. Can you discuss how you became a defender and supporter of Israel?
Well, we’re always thrilled to know that what we do moves people, so thank you for being there for us.
I think it’s amazing that I’ve come to be some sort of hero to the people of Israel. It certainly wasn’t my expectation, nor was it my motivation. I was very surprised at the momentum that was created over this. I’m simply an outspoken person, and I sometimes use social media to that end.
The situation that I “Facebooked” about (Elvis Costello’s cancellation of Israeli concerts), is one that simply moved me to some negative emotions. I felt terrible for the people that he affected. To me it was more about the artists using small market countries as their whipping boys. I’m proud to be associated with the people of Israel. It’s a beautiful country, and the love that we’ve been shown, is at times overwhelming. My bandmates and I are grateful, and very lucky. Of that there is no doubt.
I want to state for the record, that I’m not just advocating for Israel, but for people in general. I really believe that people want peace in their lives, and that it is a small percentage of the World’s population that makes this almost impossible. I wish the artist community could find better ways to make political statements. I’m in favor of artists being politically active and passionate, as long as it doesn’t involve hurting good, honest people.
You were widely quoted in the mainstream, if not music press, for your comments about Elvis Costello. For our uninitiated readers, would you mind discussing your thoughts on Elvis Costello and bands like The Pixies canceling gigs there? Well, as I’ve stated before, whether it works or not, I’m never a fan of making music fans suffer, especially over politics. With that in mind, I don’t support those types of stands. I was particularly upset with Elvis, because of the way in which he handled his cancellation. He had already booked his concert, and sold tickets. I don’t think anything changed in the political landscape, which could all of a sudden justify his actions.
I also find it to be incredibly hypocritical. It’s so easy to make a small country like Israel, an example so as to prove your political correctness to the world, and look like some kind of hero. Why didn’t any of these artists cancel their American tours, when George Bush was proliferating illegal wars in the Middle East? I think it’s because there is too much money on the table, so what’s more important, money or morals?
How did the rest of the band, based in Belgium, react to your soapbox? How did the other musicians-- Jewish and gentile-- with whom you are close react?
I think that my K’s Choice bandmates are supportive of my statements and sentiments. The same is true for the many other musicians that I perform with.
Has there been any backlash against the band since your comments on Facebook?
No, not really. I have no idea what to expect, though.
How has your experience been playing in Israel? Do you find it an artist friendly nation?
There’s a warmth and honesty here that I haven’t really felt to the same degree, anywhere else that I’ve been. K’s Choice will always be incredibly excited to play in Israel. The love and appreciation we receive every single time, is overwhelming. It’s very, very special to us.
Why would a band go there to play, can a band make a lot of money there or are there other intangible reasons?
I can only speak as a member of K’s Choice. We remember our concerts for two things really. How well, or poorly we played. We like to think that we consistently play well, of course.
The other thing, is the connection we have with the crowd. It’s always very personal, and very electric in Israel. The enthusiasm and dedication that our fans show us, is very rare. I’d be surprised if many other bands had fans as loyal as ours.
Did Elvis Costello ever contact you? If you met him, what would you say to him, if anything?
Elvis has not contacted me. I don’t know if he even knows what I said. If he were to give me the time, I would certainly tell him my feeling on the matter, although this was not born out of a need to be in a dispute with him.
Please check out Eric's band:
K's Choice official website
K's Choice on Yahoo!
